The Government and the horticulture sector have released a roadmap to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg said the roadmap builds on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP). "The Implementation Roadmap launched today will help drive the ongoing success of Kiwi growers. It includes practical actions that build on work to boost growth and resilience, focusing on three key areas: building foundations, driving farmgate value, and enabling a future-fit sector. Key to the success of the roadmap will be collective input and support from industry, government, Māori, and research providers. This support signals a joint commitment to implement the AHAP, and the roadmap will drive its successful delivery."
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said the focus to date has been on early-win projects and planning. "The new roadmap signals the transition from aspiration to implementation. All actions will be completed with sustainability in mind."
AHAP independent chair Andrew Gibbs said this next phase will target the plan's key priorities: Growing sustainably, optimising value, ensuring Māori are strong in horticulture, nurturing people, and supporting the sector with science and knowledge. "The planned actions include a strong focus on enduring policies and approaches that will help future-proof our horticulture sector. This includes areas such as workforce, labour and employment settings, growing exports, facilitating access to germplasm, improving crop protection tools and practices for growers, and celebrating Māori success in the horticulture sector."
According to Gibbs, the roadmap will be delivered in phases. "A stocktake in 2024 identified more than 530 discrete initiatives that align with AHAP actions, many of which are already underway or have now been completed. This was a key consideration when deciding the actions to include in the Implementation Roadmap. While all actions in the AHAP are a high priority, we will be taking a sensible, phased approach."
Gibbs added that the success of the AHAP and achieving the goal of doubling farmgate value by 2035 will require collaboration. "It also serves as a challenge to all the quad partners of industry, government, Māori, and research providers to take action – your contribution and support will help us achieve sustainable growth, and drive grower success across New Zealand."
For more information:
Horticulture New Zealand
Tel: +64 04 472 3795
Email: [email protected]
www.www.hortnz.co.nz
