Friday, 25 October 2013 11:30

Support sought for levy

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Summerfruit NZ is seeking grower support to continue levy funding for another six years. The Summerfruit Commodity Levy Order must be renewed every six years and was last renewed in 2008.

The ballot will be held in November this year in order for the Minister to approve a new levy in time for the 2014-15 season.

Voting begins on November 1 and closes on November 29, and this time voters have the option of fax, postal or online voting. Chief executive Marie Dawkins says online voting is a simple system.

"We've had really good feedback from those who have used this voting system for the Hort NZ and Pipfruit NZ levies, so we expect few problems."

Consultations with growers have been ongoing since May, with chairman Gary Bennetts, vice-chairman Tim Jones and Marie Dawkins touring the country and meeting growers on their orchards. Bennetts says the group met with many growers they seldom see.

"We made a real effort to get off the beaten track and catch up with growers in other growing areas. It was an interesting and rewarding process meeting so many growers on their properties."

While discussions about projects had been lively, Dawkins says there has been almost no negative feedback about the levy itself and growers clearly understand the way the levy is being invested.

"Support appears to be strong and we are hopeful of a positive outcome. Our biggest concern is voter indifference with voters not taking the time to submit their vote."

Featured

Fines For Velveting Without Pain Relief, Illegal Slaughter and NAIT Breaches

Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Ex-Fonterra Suppliers Face Stricter Share Sell-Down Requirements

Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.

Aimer Farming Raises $3M to Launch AI Beef Pasture Tool

Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.