AU/NZ Ministers emphsise trans-Tasman collaboration

Capitalising on opportunities to increase collaboration was the key message delivered by New Zealand's Minister for Primary Industries to a record-breaking crowd at today's official opening of PMA Fresh Connections conference and trade show in Auckland.

Kicking off PMA Fresh Connections 2014 in Auckland with an official Maori Welcome at the Welcome Reception.

In a conference first, the Hon. Nathan Guy was joined via video by Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Barnaby Joyce. Their joint appearance gave a truly Trans-Tasman flavour to proceedings at the Australasian region's largest networking, education and business building event for the entire fresh fruit, vegetable and floral supply chains.

"Hon. Barnaby Joyce and Hon. Nathan Guy really emphasised the importance of collaboration between Australia and New Zealand, and across the supply chain from paddock to plate. In particular they spoke about collaborating to capitalise on the huge opportunities that exist for both countries into servicing the local and export markets for fresh produce" said Michael Worthington, CEO of Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ).

A hallmark of PMA Fresh Connections, tonight's Gala Dinner will include the presentation of industry awards including the PMA - Produce Plus Magazine Marketer of the Year Award, the Horticulture New Zealand Bledisloe Cup, and the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaler's Meritorious Service Award, and Col Johnson Young Achievers Award. The conference and trade show component of the event will conclude on Thursday, with a tour of the Pukekohe growing region to be held on Friday.

For more information:
Erin Hart
PMA Australia-New Zealand Ltd
Tel: +61 3 8844 5536
Email: e.hart@pma-anz.com
www.pmafreshconnections.com.au