Copy
7 April 2020

Mike's Blog

COVID-19 and the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables


Fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in Germany has increased by 100% since they were hit by COVID-19.  Empty fruit and vegetable shelves are being spotted every day at Swiss retail stores, as daily order volumes are around 60% greater than normal.
Across the world, the value of eating healthy food is being re-recognised as vital when it comes to maintaining health and giving the body the best chance of fighting off disease.  In New Zealand, feijoas, apples and kiwifruit are all in season and in plentiful supply.  The usual range of autumn vegetables is also available, including kumara which is being harvested at present. 

So, there’s plenty of variety but not as much healthy food available as there could be because only the supermarkets are open.  Getting all the food that we grow to consumers is not easy at the moment, as independent fruit and vegetable retailers are not permitted to open, and restaurants are closed.  A lot of the vegetables that we grow in New Zealand are sold through these independent retailers and to restaurants as well as fast food chains and outlets.  Fast food chains alone purchase hundreds of millions of dollars of fresh vegetables each year.

Many of our growers do not currently have a way to sell their produce, so some of these growers are setting up delivery services, and some of the produce is going to food banks.  This situation is reducing the volume of healthy food available to New Zealanders as not all fresh fruit and vegetables are, or can be, sold through the supermarkets. 

What we are worried about is the possibility that those growers who can’t sell their produce will stop growing and reduce the supply of healthy food for New Zealand.  We are in discussion with the Government about how this situation can be changed. 

Worker safety is our paramount concern as we continue to grow and harvest during COVID-19 Alert Level 4.  At the same time, we are planning for what the future of growing and employment in our industry might be.

Now is the time to prepare for what happens when we come out of COVID-19.  Rabobank believes that a global recession is now more imminent but believes that there will be a positive impact for countries that are net food exporters, like New Zealand, because the world will likely be short of food.  Therefore, we need to scale up and to do that, New Zealand needs to invest in infrastructure that supports increased growing.  Investment in significant water storage and technically advanced growing is where we need to focus.

Finally, in case you were wondering, fruit and vegetables DO NOT transmit viruses or COVID-19.  So, get along to your supermarket or order online some of the world’s best fruit and vegetables, and send an email to your Member of Parliament asking for independent retailers to be re-opened.

- Mike Chapman, Chief Executive

Keeping you up to date


The HortNZ COVID-19 website is regularly updated with the latest information that is relevant to industry.  It is a one-stop-shop with key information and links about everything you need to know from operating safely in the field and packhouse, to advice for employers, RSE workers, and contact details for HortNZ staff.  Key updates will be sent out as emails to make sure important information gets into the hands of growers.  

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you have that we can help with - click here to view HortNZ's COVID-19 response contact list.
Click here to view other HortNZ COVID-19 info

Mental Health - Where to get help

These are uncertain times for all New Zealanders.  It is important to stay connected and talk about how things are going, and how you and the people around you are feeling.  The Mental Health Foundation has some practical advice about this, click here to view.  

Where to get help with how you or others are feeling 

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call the Police immediately on 111.

If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor.  
Click here for more resources that are available

Essential Services Leave Payment Scheme

The Government has announced that a new COVID-19 leave payment scheme that will be available to essential businesses for essential workers from 6 April 2020. 

The new payment is intended to support essential workers who have to stay at home to comply with public health guidance, and whose employers are unable to keep paying them.

Essential employers who can financially support their workers with leave requirements or any special paid leave entitlements - without the use of the subsidy - should continue to do so.
Click here for more information

Reducing food waste during COVID-19

A large number of growers are contacting HortNZ about produce they no longer have a market for due to the closure of independent fruit and vegetable stores and produce markets. Please note we are still in discussions with the Government about reopening the independent stores. 

We have been working with Fair Food, a food rescue charity who are coordinating with other food rescue centres throughout New Zealand, and are keen to put growers in touch with a food rescue organisation in their area. 

During this difficult time, there are many families who are struggling to access fresh food for many reasons like no money, lack of transport and complex health needs who would greatly benefit from access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you are interested in donating fresh produce, you can fill out a simple form which includes more details about the process.
Click here for more information about donating produce

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


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
Instagram
Twitter
Website