Growers have until Sept 28 to reach HortNZ levy decision
A positive result in the referendum is required to ensure HortNZ be funded for another six years.
Without this the organisation will cease to exist, when the current levy order expires in June 2013.
The referendum is seeking approval of a grower levy of 15 cents for every $100 of sales. This is equal to the current maximum rate of the current order.
This is forecast to raise in the region of $2.5 million per year for HortNZ.
The change since the last referendum, in 2005, is that the organisation can no longer rely on the Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust to supplement the levy.
This year fresh vegetable, potato, process vegetable and fresh tomato growers currently paying an integrated HortNZ and Product Group levy will receive at least two voting papers, one for the HortNZ levy and one for each additional product group levy. Growers must vote for both to continue to receive the same level of services.
"We are pleased with the way voting has progressed so far," HortNZ president Andrew Fenton says.
"We just need every grower to show their support for HortNZ. Their voices will not be heard if we do not have HortNZ."
Source: voxy.co.nz
