Big vegetable price increases could result in big health cost increases of up to $610 million
HortNZ says it is concerned that predicted increases of up to 58% could price vegetables off the table, resulting in preventable and costly strains on the health system of up to $610 million.
‘Our concern is the strain on the health system if vegetables get priced off the average family’s table and New Zealanders’ health declines,’ said HortNZ Deputy Chief Executive, Leanne Stewart, in response to news that the Labour Party is promising an investigation into grocery prices if elected.
‘Land use regulation also needs to be looked at, in addition to grocery prices.
‘Otago University has researched the health consequences of the increase in prices predicted by an earlier Deloitte study of vegetable growing in Pukekohe. Otago University estimates that the cost to the health system of vegetable price increases and subsequent decreases in vegetable consumption could be between $490 million and $610 million.'
Read the full media release here and listen to RNZ's story on the report, here.
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