HortNZ supports new water storage plan
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.
Aucklanders face a $1.1 billion economic hit unless they curb their voracious appetite for building houses on top-quality, horticultural land.
That’s the worst-case scenario in a report by Deloitte for Horticulture New Zealand, made public at Parliament last week. It paints a gloomy picture for residents of the city of sails (sales?) as urban sprawl gobbles up the land that feeds them.
The report investigates the plight of the ‘Pukekohe hub’ -- 4359ha on the far southwestern fringe of Auckland where vegetables are grown for the city, other regions and for export.
The region is seriously threatened by urban sprawl.
The report notes that while the Pukekohe hub makes up only 3.8% of the value of all NZ land in horticultural production, it accounts for 26% of the total dollar value of vegetables grown in NZ.
The report shows commercial growers’ have limited ability to respond to production constraints. It says any more land restrictions in the next 25 years would cause serious economic loss and 4500 jobs would be squandered. Fruit and vegetable growing would drop by up to 55% and vegetable prices would rise by an estimated 58%, so that a lettuce could cost a consumer up to $5.55.
Conversely, the report says, if rigid land-use rules were eased elsewhere in Auckland region to prevent the Pukekohe land being lost to housing, the region would be able to supply Auckland’s estimated population of 2.2 million by 2043.
It recommends devising ways to better balance urban and rural environments, including technology to manage intensification of cropping and environmental limits.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
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