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Seasonal workers
With the opening of the Trans-Tasman bubble, opportunities for worker travel to and from the Pacific are being explored by industry collective with the Government at Ministerial level.
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme employers were surveyed on Friday last week as to their worker requirements. If you are an RSE employer and you did NOT get a survey, please contact info@hortnz.co.nz for a survey. There will likely be some more surveys that we will need to run to work out numbers. We anticipate that next week the Government will make its decision and that decision will be announced.
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Ministry report shows land under pressure
The latest Ministry for the Environment ‘Our land 2021’ report shows a widespread loss of highly productive land into housing. Between 2002 and 2019, 54% of highly productive land was lost to housing while cities and towns have sprawled by about a third.
HortNZ issued a media release – which resulted in several media stories, see below – calling on the Government to put in safeguards to prevent the further loss of highly productive land.
‘This situation simply isn’t good enough, considering that the primary production sector is the backbone of the New Zealand economy and only 15% of land is suitable for food production,’ said HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman.
‘The Government must act now to retain remaining highly productive land. Once houses have been built on it, that soil is lost forever.
‘In August 2019, the Government launched its draft National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land. Since then, no final decisions have been made, there has been no progress when clearly – as this Government report shows – there is an issue, which has the potential to compromise New Zealand’s ability to feed itself, fresh healthy food.’
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The Horticulture Conference 2021
HortNZ is happy to announce that registrations have opened for the Horticulture Conference: Resilience and Recovery, to be held on 5-6 August 2021 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.
In developing this two-day conference, we have focused on the array of challenges and opportunities currently facing our industry in the new, Covid affected world. A diverse range of speakers will provide perspective from New Zealand and overseas, industry and government. They will offer insight as our industry looks to 2022 and beyond. Click here to see the list of speakers.
Super early bird registrations start at only $300 for growers. Register now, as this special rate is only available until 14 May.
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Young Grower of the Year underway
The regional competitions of the Young Grower of the Year are fast approaching. The competition is an amazing opportunity for young people working in the fruit and vegetable industries to test their knowledge and skills, grow professional connections and gain exposure in the industry.
If you or someone you know wants to get involved, see the below for information about your regional competition, or visit YoungGrower.co.nz.
Pukekohe Young Grower
For entry info, email Kiran Hari. Entries close 4pm, Friday 16 April 2021.
Event and awards dinner: Friday 7 May 2021. The competition and awards dinner will be held at the Pukekohe Indian Association (PIA) Event Centre, Ward Street, Pukekohe.
Central Otago Young Grower
For entry info, email Grant McKay. Entries close 4pm, Wednesday 10 May 2021.
Event and awards dinner: Friday 21 May 2021. The competition will be held at the Central Otago Campus, Horticulture Training Facility in Cromwell. The awards dinner will be at The Moorings, Cromwell.
Hawkes Bay Young Fruit Grower
Click here for entry info. Entries close 5pm, Friday 30 April.
The competition, run by the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association, will be held on 3 and 4 June at the Hastings Showgrounds, in conjunction with the National Horticulture Fieldays.
The Awards Dinner will be held on 4 June at the Toitoi Arts and Events Centre, Hastings. To reserve your dinner tickets, click here or email yfoty@hbfa.co.nz.
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2021 Horticulture Industry Awards
HortNZ is calling for nominations for its 2021 Horticulture Industry Awards to be presented at the Horticulture Conference Gala Dinner on 5 August at Mystery Creek. There are five awards:
- Bledisloe Cup – awarded for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
- President's Trophy – awarded for inspiring leadership within the horticulture industry
- Industry Service Award – to recognise people with long and dedicated service
- Environmental Award – for a person or organisation focussed on a sustainable environment project
- HortNZ Life Member.
A full description and criteria for these awards can be found by clicking below. Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 June.
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Canterbury Career Progression Manager role
HortNZ is seeking applications for the role of Career Progression Manager for the Canterbury region. The applicant will join the national network of Career Progression Managers and actively promote career opportunities in the fruit and vegetable industry.
If you are a go-getter, love working with young people, are good at problem-solving, handy with event and project management, and have an aptitude for marketing then we want to hear from you!
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Ag Matters video on reducing hort emissions
Ag Matters, a subsidiary of the Ministry for Primary Industries that is focused on reducing on-farm emissions, has produced a video for the horticulture industry.
The video features Jay Clarke from Woodhaven Gardens, who talks about how the business has managed to reduce on farm emissions.
For most horticulture growers, the focus is on nitrous oxide emissions from nitrogen fertiliser use.
"Figuring that out was actually really helpful for us because it meant we were getting a two-pronged approach," says Jay. "We were already looking at nitrogen for freshwater quality. By tackling that, we've also been able to lower our greenhouse gas emissions."
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Food Waste Champions network
HortNZ Sustainability and Extension Manager, Ailsa Robertson has joined the food waste coalition, Champions of 12.3.
The coalition wants to see food waste halved by 2030. This target comes from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3, to halve food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses, by 2030.
Ailsa represents horticulture and primary production, looking at the barriers and opportunities for food waste reduction post-harvest. If you are involved in a food waste reduction initiative, or have ideas about how our sector can address the issue of post-harvest food waste, you can email Ailsa at Ailsa.Robertson@hortnz.co.nz
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MPI organic regulation consultation
The Ministry for Primary Industries is asking for feedback by 5pm on 8 June 2021 on proposed regulations for organic food, beverages, plant and animal products.
These regulations are the layer of detail that will sit under the ‘Organic Products Act,’ which is currently going through Parliament.
MPI will be holding online and in-person workshops in April/May. If you are interested in attending, please register via the link below.
Click here for more information, including the discussion document and workshop registration.
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Rural recycling events in Taranaki
Agrecovery is holding recycling and recovery events for rural waste in Taranaki in May. At the events, growers will be able to recycle or sustainably dispose of agrichemical containers and drums, leftover agricultural chemicals, used motor oil and woven polypropylene bags e.g., seed & fertiliser bags.
Event locations and dates
New Plymouth, Monday 10 May
Stratford, Tuesday 11 May
South Taranaki (Hāwera) Wednesday 12 May
Booking is essential
Click here to book ALL items for disposal through the Agrecovery website. Bookings close one week prior to each event.
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People Management taster course available now!
Want to extend your knowledge or check that you know the basics?
Sign up for the new, free one-hour online course on the basics of people management for the fruit and vegetable sectors.
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NZ Landcare Trust soils workshops in Nelson/Tasman
The New Zealand Landcare Trust is running a series of free, practical, hands-on, healthy soils workshops. The workshops will focus on several types of soil tests to determine the health of your soils.
Brightwater/Nelson
When: Tuesday 27 April, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Ferretti Growers, 112 Mount Heslington Road, Brightwater
Moutere
When: Wednesday 28 April, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Phil Hyatt’s property, 286 Sunrise Valley Road, Moutere
Murchison
When: Thursday 29 April, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Kahurangi Angus Stud, 1230 Matiri Valley Road, Murchison
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