Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has been actively supporting its growers through diverse strategies in the face of challenges such as Covid-19, cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, and ongoing inflationary pressures. Nadine Tunley, the outgoing chief executive, highlighted the organization's commitment to providing relief, advocating for support, and supplying practical resources to aid growers in recovery efforts.
Efforts to facilitate dialogue with the government have been a priority, aiming to present the current challenges and constraints directly to officials and Ministers. The policy team at HortNZ has been engaging with local and central government to make processes more efficient and address policies that are impractical or unworkable.
The sector, comprising over 4500 commercial growers, is responsible for producing more than 100 different types of fruit and vegetables, leading to $4.67 billion in horticulture exports. This includes $3.94 billion from fruit and $0.73 billion from vegetables, with domestic sales amounting to $2.81 billion.
Labour issues remain a critical concern, with the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme being vital for ensuring a reliable seasonal workforce. This is crucial for the planting, maintenance, and harvesting phases, with any shortfall in labour affecting the entire sector. HortNZ emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the government and Pacific partners to advocate for growers' needs.
Source: ruralnewsgroup.co.nz