Strawberry seed report causes concern
Only a fraction of the kits were recovered and the threat to New Zealand horticulture, particularly to tomatoes and berryfruit, remains.There has been an enquiry from a Bay of Plenty grower wanting to know how this situation would be handled under the government’s proposed ‘GIA’ (Government Industry Agreements) for biosecurity.
HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock has this to say on that topic:“The short answer is that this issue has been raised, but not yet resolved to HortNZ’s satisfaction. We have discussed the issue about what Import Health Standard (IHS) rules are imposed on imports and the Government has agreed that any signatory to a GIA would have full engagement on the development or alteration of IHS rules.
“However, the issue of the failure of the government’s border security system has not been discussed in detail but this is an issue that will have to be resolved prior to any agreement being signed.
“HortNZ’s expectation is that the operational agreements under GIA will detail the activities that both parties will take under the agreement. The correct application of rules in IHS would be something that HortNZ would expect to be a Government commitment in those operational agreements. If it can be proven that they did not deliver on that then either the agreement does not apply or the cost sharing does not apply. This is an important issue because it is about the accountability of MAF.”
HortNZ and the Product Groups will be having more discussions with MAF about this.From the Paddock to the Packet Field Day – 2 March 2012South Canterbury potato growers Raymond and Adrianne Bowan will open Fallgate Farms and their Heartland Potato Chip factory for a Field Day on March 2. The Bowan’s were awarded the 2011 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year title. Raymond says those attending the Field Day will get to see how both the farms and the factory operate, hear about their farm management style, their innovative practices, production levels and profitability.The Field Day starts at 9:45am on 2 March 2012 at Fallgate Farms, 42 Milton Road, Orari, South Canterbury. Anyone wishing to attend please email [email protected] by 27 February.
During the day buses will take attendees to the Heartland Potato Chip factory which is 30 minutes away in Washdyke before returning to the farm.You can find out more about the South Island Farmer of the Year competition at: www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz.
HortNZ Board meetingThe HortNZ Board held its first meeting of the year in Wellington last week. The main issues discussed were· The financial forecast to 31 March 2012 - Despite a reduction in levy income (due to the lower returns to growers) HortNZ’s aim to make a $50K surplus has been maintained through continued tight financial control.
The Budget for the 2012-2013 year commencing on 1 April - HortNZ is budgeting a further 6% reduction in levy income (due to the impacts of psa and the continuing high level of the NZ$). As a result of this and the need to budget for the upcoming levy referendum and the relocation of HortNZ’s office the Board has agreed to cut the number of face to face Board meetings, not to attend Asiafruit Logistica in Hong Kong (although we will still co-ordinate the NZ Stand at that trade show), reduce the budget allowance for rent reflecting the reduced size and cost of the new offices.
The proposed merger of Horticulture Industry Training Organisation (ITO) and Ag ITO. HortNZ is a founding member of HortITO and is represented on the Board by Ru Collin. The Board reviewed the information on the merger supplied by HortITO and has asked for further information on the proposed financial impilcations and future governance structures.The Board also discussed:HortNZ’s work on resource management.Progress of the proposed Food Bill.Biosecurity issues including the proposed Government Industry Agreements (GIA) and the impacts of changes to biosecurity screening of passengers.
The time line for the levy referendum was confirmed key dates are:2 March 2012 Initial proposal sent to all growersMarch - June consultation on proposal (meetings, magazine articles etc)3 July - final proposal that growers will vote on confirmed31 August Voting papers sent to growers.28 Sept Voting closes
For more information:
HortNZ
Tel: +64 04 472 3795
[email protected]