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.
The worker scheme known as Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) last year benefitted the Pacific Islands by at least $50 million, says Horticulture New Zealand (HNZ).
And RSE also helped the horticulture industry to keep up with production, says HNZ’s chief executive Mike Chapman.
“It’s because of the scheme’s success and vital role in our industry that we would like to see the scheme expand and more Pacific people be able to take up opportunities in NZ,” said Chapman, who attended the RSE Conference in Vanuatu in July.
“It’s hard to understand without seeing it firsthand the huge difference money earned through the scheme makes.
“It is used in the Pacific to build cyclone resistant housing, pay for education, and set up businesses such as coconut pressing and furniture construction, plus the more common tourist accommodation and tour businesses.”
Chapman says the scheme helps NZ growers to find enough people to harvest their fruit and vegetables, particularly at the peak of the season.
“Without the scheme the labour shortages our industry faces would be a lot worse.”
The latest Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) survey of employers in the RSE scheme found that 96% agreed the benefits of participating in the scheme outweighed the costs. Employers also continued to rate RSE workers highly in their dependability, productivity and enthusiasm.
“RSE employers in the horticulture industry take their responsibilities seriously. Most go beyond the minimum requirements to ensure workers are well looked after and supported in NZ, and learn skills they can take home,” Chapman said.
An independent report, prepared for Alliance farmer shareholders is backing the proposed $250 million joint venture investment by Irish company Dawn Meats Group.
Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.
NZPork has appointed Auckland-based Paul Bucknell as its new chair.
The Government claims to have delivered on its election promise to protect productive farmland from emissions trading scheme (ETS) but red meat farmers aren’t happy.
Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
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