increase font size
Women in Horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry strategy that empowers all women.
An initiative that supports networking and career progression of women in horticulture has received state funding.
The United Fresh Women in Horticulture (Women in Horticulture) initiative will use the funds to deliver workshops and professional development sessions enabling women to upskill and reach their full potential.
Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says the Government is happy to back the initiative with a $300,000 grant.
“Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20% of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this are so important,” says Grigg.
“It also provides the sector an opportunity to positively influence industry attitudes by looking for ways we can encourage women to remain in - and be recognised - within horticulture.
“Women are underrepresented at leadership level, meaning they are impacted by the gender pay gap and disproportionate retirement earnings compared to men.
“The Government has committed $300,000 over three years to the Women in Horticulture initiative to making New Zealand a world leader for gender equity in this space.
“Our Government’s focused on growing the economy and supporting our primary industries so that Kiwis can get ahead. As Minister for Women I want women to succeed, and this programme will support this objective.”
Women in Horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry strategy that empowers all women.
Its goals are to provide a platform that aims to support women to be connected, valued, and have equitable access to opportunities and to achieve inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
As New Zealand marks the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 (IYWF 2026), industry leaders are challenging the misconception that women only support farming.
According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
Fruit trader Seeka posted a record profit and returns to shareholders in 2025.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly reckons rural Manawatu families are the latest to suffer under what he calls the…
OPINION: If old Winston Peters thinks building trade relations with new nations, such as India, isn't a necessary investment in…
