Vegetable growing at risk
Horticulture New Zealand says the country’s ability to provide fresh, healthy vegetables is at risk unless the Government makes growing them a permitted activity.
Being able to grow more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down, according to Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated (VNZI).
It also believes this would lead to improved health outcomes for New Zealanders and support an industry that is vital to the country.
“There’s massive support, particularly in the health and education sectors, for taking steps to make healthy fresh New Zealand vegetables more available to Kiwis,” says VNZI chair, John Murphy.
He adds that the New Zealand vegetable industry needs fit for purpose regulations that allow vegetable operations to thrive, by encouraging investment in vegetable production and eliminating hurdles that limit productivity.
“Ultimately, any effort to make it easier for Kiwis to eat more locally grown vegetables is good for New Zealand society.”
Murphy also claims the debate about removing GST from food has been welcomed by the vegetable sector.
“VNZI applauds any attempt by regulators to increase fresh vegetable consumption and make it easier for growers to be viable because of the health benefits,” he explains.
“If changing tax settings would decrease the cost that consumers and growers face, then we should look seriously at a change.”
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…