Roadmap set to double hort exports by 2035
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) welcomes the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority (HEA) Amendment Bill passed late yesterday, says chief executive Mike Chapman.
"Clarity around export market entry and exit, as well as the flexibility of multi-tier export licensing are key changes that will benefit horticulture exporters," Chapman says.
"When we submitted on the Bill we asked for that clarity to encourage exports and tiered licensing to allow for market development and exploration.
"This is an enabling piece of legislation that modernises the Act of 1987, HortNZ welcomes its passing.
"Horticulture is going through a period of rapid growth and we need the support of Government to assist export growth. This new law creates more trade opportunities so that exporters can work together in a collective, through joint marketing, to achieve greater market penetration, volume, and value sales.
“The HEA mechanism helps these exporters collectively navigate a trading environment that carries both risks and rewards and is particularly useful where an industry wants to establish a market presence in a new export destination.
"New Zealand’s horticulture exporters punch well above their weight in overseas’ markets. What this amendment does is strength their ability to successfully market our growers’ produce and retain New Zealand’s reputation for exporting high-quality and safe produce.
"There are nine product groups using the HEA structure - avocado, blackcurrant, buttercup squash, chestnut, kiwifruit to Australia, persimmon, summer fruit, tamarillo and truffle exporters - and others may join as they see the benefits from these amendments to the HEA structure."
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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