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2 June 2020

Mike's Blog
The future for crop protection:
A Lighter Touch


The collaboration between HortNZ, FAR, NZ Winegrowers and MPI will help the COVID recovery. The project will provide growers with new ways to protect crops sustainably.

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Importance of horticulture recognised in Government’s freshwater decisions


Horticulture New Zealand says the Government’s decisions around freshwater recognise the importance of growing fresh fruit and vegetables in this country.

‘We applaud the Government for the pragmatic approach it is taking to meeting the long-term freshwater quality improvements that we all want,” says HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman. 

‘Today’s decisions come at a time when many fruit and vegetable growers are uncertain about the future, due to the impact of COVID-19 and drought. 

‘That said, for many years now, growers have been investing heavily in improving freshwater quality and reducing environmental impact, by retiring land, putting in sediment ponds, and using precision irrigation and modern cultivation techniques. 

‘We feel that today’s decisions acknowledge that when it comes to land, water and the environment, growers know how to achieve the outcomes that the Government and consumers in New Zealand and across the world want.’ 

Where to find out more information

The Ministry for the Environment has prepared some information specifically for the horticulture industry.  You can find that information here.  

For a summary of the decisions, click here.

For complete information from the Ministry for the Environment, click here.
Click to read more

Central Otago District Council Plan Change 13 appeal withdrawn


Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed news that the developer appealing Central Otago District Council’s Plan Change 13 decision has withdrawn their appeal.

‘I’m just so very pleased that we have this result for our hard-working growers. Now they can get back to growing world-class fruit without this worry hanging over them,’ says HortNZ Environmental Policy Advisor – South Island, Rachel McClung.  

Rachel lead HortNZ’s opposition to the plan change.  

In June 2018, HortNZ filed a submission to protect the more than 200ha of summerfruit orchards and packhouses in the area, including 85% of New Zealand’s cherry orchards. 

Plan Change 13 was a developer’s proposal to rezone 50ha of rural land outside Cromwell, to create a new urban area that could accommodate up to 900 dwellings.  This new area would border existing orchards as well as the Highlands Motorsport park and Central Motor Speedway.

In total, 417 submissions were received on the plan change, and almost all were in opposition to the proposal, raising matters such as concerns over reverse sensitivity effects on existing rural activities, including the flow-on effects for employees; loss of productive rural land; and the adverse economic effects on existing businesses.

The hearing was held in Cromwell in June 2019, in front of a panel of independent hearing commissioners.  Rachel presented the case on behalf of growers. In February 2020, the developer appealed the council’s decision.  That appeal has now been withdrawn.  

Government backing horticulture to succeed

The Government is backing a new $27 million project aimed at boosting sustainable horticulture production and New Zealand’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.  

“Our horticulture sector has long been one of New Zealand’s export star performers, contributing around $6 billion a year to our economy.  During and post lockdown, they’ve become a lifeline for a number of redeployed workers from industries such as tourism, forestry and hospitality,” says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Horticulture New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Chapman says the importance of biological methods and increasing production was reflected in the investment from the different sectors.

“Our growers want to take greater care of the environment but there are only a few viable options for pest and disease control currently.

“This is why this project is so critical. It will speed up development of agro-ecological crop protection techniques that are both environmentally sound and effective. We are excited by what this project will be able to deliver for the different sectors involved and New Zealand’s economy.”
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Industry news

Applications for loan support close 12 June

Government loans of up to $100,000 are still available for eligible businesses to help with cash flow. Nearly $1 billion in support has already gone out to small businesses, including contractors and self-employed. 

Applications close 12 June.
Click for more information

Support for carers


The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has funded the CareWise programme, which delivers in-work support to the one in eight New Zealanders who care outside of work for elderly, unwell, or disabled family members.

Employers can sign up with Carewise to support employees who are caring for people in their home. There is no cost to employers and Carewise provides tools, information, and regular updates to support them as a CareWise employer.
 
The only requirement for employers is to commit to being a carer friendly workplace, which is done via a very quick online process at www.carewise.org.nz

Other news

HortNZ Leadership Programme calls for applications 

Despite the unprecedented start to 2020, HortNZ is still running its popular leadership programme this year, being flexible in how it is delivered.  Delivery may be on-line or face-face, or a mix, depending on where New Zealand is at with COVID-19 during August through to November.

To apply for the programme, please use the application forms that can be downloaded via the link below.  The deadline for applications is 20 June.  

For enquiries contact Sue Pickering 021 938 825 or email sue.p@developme.nz
Click for application form and more information

United Fresh committed to the Horticulture Conference


Thanks to Gold sponsor, United Fresh for their continued support of the Horticulture Conference. The 2021 Horticulture Conference is on 4-6 August at Mystery Creek.  For sponsorship enquiries, please contact HortNZ Events Manager, Amy Miller.
 

Click here to view more about the Horticulture Conference 2021

In the media:
Copyright © 2020 HortNZ, All rights reserved.


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