MPI defends cost of new biosecurity lab
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
These are part of a consultation programme to determine whether growers will continue to fund a levy to support their industry organisation NZ Apples and Pears Incorporated (NZAPI).
NZAPI is legally mandated by the Government to collect a levy from commercial apple and pear growers to fund the support and services it provides as the industry body. A vote of growers is undertaken every six years to either continue or reject this levy.
The current levy for NZAPI expires on 16 January 2025 and during the last few months growers opinions' have been sought by various means - including face-to-face regional meetings, webinars, newsletters, and public notices. In April, a referendum will be held for all potential levy payers to vote on the Commodity Levy.
All apple and pear and growers who grow apples and pears in New Zealand - which are or may be sold for consumption as whole fresh fruit, or sold for resale as whole fresh fruit, or exported as whole fresh fruit - are eligible to vote. Each trading entity is entitled to one vote. Voting will be open from 9am Monday 8 April to 12 noon Friday 3 May 2024, which is taking place online and by post.
If growers decided to continue with the levy, a formal application will be made in May from NZAPI to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requesting renewal of the Levy Order.
NZAPI says more than 30 years on, the levy continues to be the foundation of what it as an industry body does for the industry.
