Kiwifruit sector far more optimistic
Things are looking really promising at this stage for the 2024 kiwifruit harvest.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI), the industry body which advocates for 2,800 growers, is encouraging its members to pitch in and donate to the most vulnerable through The Foodbank Project.
The Foodbank Project is a joint partnership between Countdown, the Salvation Army, and Lucid.
The drive recognises that Covid-19 continues to have an economic impact upon New Zealand with many kiwis struggling financially.
“It’s great to see this drive as a continuation of the 2020 grower initiative launched in the Bay of Plenty to help support the unprecedented demand due to the ongoing impacts of Covid-19,” says NZKGI chief executive Nikki Johnson.
“Growers answered the call and donated thousands of dollars’ worth of food and necessities. As a result of the drive’s success, NZKGI committed to rolling out the appeal in other kiwifruit growing regions,” says Johnson.
Jono Bell, Salvation Army territorial director of community ministries says “The pressure on our clients and their whanau to make ends meet is enormous, and Covid-19 has added more uncertainty.”
Instead of utilising drop off points for growers to deliver food, the Foodbank Project encourages donors to donate only and choose from a range of products and bundles that are critically needed for food parcels.
The order is subsequently packed and delivered by local Countdown stores to Salvation Army foodbanks of the donor’s choice.
The drive lasts from 29 January until 5 March.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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