New Zealand Fresh Vegetable Industry

Seed Smugglers Sent Packing

20 NOVEMBER 2012

Border officials sent two foreign air passengers packing last Friday after they tried to smuggle seeds through Auckland airport.

The seeds were found after a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) quarantine inspector became suspicious of two Chinese passport holders arriving from Shanghai and sent them to have their luggage searched.

The search unearthed 14 foil-wrapped packages of seeds. The packages had been concealed under the inner soles of shoes, within a carton lining, in a handbag and in some wedding invitations.

A police officer also conducted a personal search of one of the passengers after a MPI detector dog gave a positive indication when sniffing the pair.

As a result of the seed find, immigration officials refused the husband and wife entry permission to the country. They were sent back to China that night and are unlikely to be granted visas to enter New Zealand in the future.

"The pair acted recklessly. They either ignored or failed to understand that the illegal importation of seeds could devastate New Zealand's horticulture industry or native plant life," says MPI's Craig Hughes, Manager North Passenger and Mail.

He says the successful outcome was the result of positive interaction between all border agencies.

The seeds have yet to be identified.

Media contact (MPI): William Minchin

Agricultural Tractor Vehicles – RUC update

19 November 2012

The Rural Transport meeting held on October 3rd discussed the following for the proposed resubmission.

It was determined that 40kph be the benchmark speed as drivers who intended to travel in excess of this speed were generally contractors (due to time and distance) and therefore should pay a portion of the road maintenance costs by RUCs due to greater wear and tear.

Conversely the concession would be that vehicles registered to travel at less than 40kph (this would apply to most commercial growers) requiring only an EX registration and be exempt from any compliance. The key points of the submission were:

Tractors driven at less than 40 KPH (with a 5kph threshold) will:

Require an EX Registration (EX - Exemption for RUC)
Class 1 Drivers Licence for tractors up to 18 tonne or in combination up to 25 tonne
Not have any distance limits
Not require a Warrant Fitness
Not require any inspections
Not pay Road User Charges
Not require a work time rule or log book
But must be up to roadworthy standard

Tractors driven at more than 41 KPH wil:

Require a G Registration
Will be required to pay RUC (application, process and costs to be decided)
Require the appropriate licence (maybe Class 2 if over 18 tonne) with work time and log book implications
Require a WoF but simplified and extended from 6 to 12 renewal intervals

Growers Say There's Nothing To Be Calm About

16 november 2012

Horticulture New Zealand and the Tararua Growers Association welcome the sensible words of Primary Industries Minister David Carter who is obviously deeply concerned about the estimated cost of a recent Environment Court decision on farmers and growers.

The Minister has soundly rejected comments from the Horizons Regional Council suggesting research commissioned by the Ministry for Primary Industries is inaccurate.

"In our experience, MPI doesn't make a habit of buying inaccurate research," HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says.

"If their report says there is the potential for farming profits to drop by up to 43 percent thanks to the conditions applied by Horizons and the Environment Court, then that's exactly what the potential is.

"The growers HortNZ represents, right up and down New Zealand, are very, very worried by the Horizons One Plan, and we will continue to argue their case as long as we can.

"Thankfully the Minister appears to support our efforts and that will give great heart to all our growers.

"Just yesterday, with the release of the third and final report from the Land and Water Forum, we had many, many groups that don't make a habit of agreeing with each other urging the Government to push on with a ground-breaking opportunity to bring in a new wide-ranging fresh water management approach.

"What a shame this attitude couldn't quite reach to the Horizons region," Peter says.

As some of the first and worst affected farmers by the Horizons One Plan, the Tararua Growers Association adds its strong support to the Minister's comments.

"The Horizons chairman can tell growers and farmers to remain calm, but it's impossible for us to stay calm when our businesses are under such a threat," says Terry Olsen, potato grower and TGA chairman.

"As the MPI report correctly shows, our growers face up to a 43% drop in profit because of the One Plan. That will mean many growers will go out of business, jobs will be lost throughout the Manawatu, and inevitably people everywhere will be paying a lot more for their vegetables.

"That's nothing to be calm about."

HortNZ Keen to See Land & Water Forum Recommendations Embraced

16 november 2012

Horticulture New Zealand welcomes the release today of the third and final Land & Water Forum report and urges the Government to implement the recommendations.

"This has been a long and challenging process of consultation and consensus between groups who would not otherwise willingly get together and achieve binding results.

"So we'd like to see cross-party agreement on the importance of all New Zealand aiming to implement the LWF's recommendations," HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says.

HortNZ and the growers it represents made a significant long-term investment into this process and want Government and local authorities to take the results seriously.

HortNZ agrees with LWF chair Alastair Bisley this is a "once in a generation chance" to resolve what seemed like insurmountable disagreement around fresh water management.

"With appropriate Government leadership and the collaborative approach proposed by the LWF, we can get balanced outcomes for both economic productivity and environmental protection.

"Growers are already responding to environmental challenges. The next step is to make local government more accountable for their plan changes, particularly in terms of costs and benefits.

"Whichever way you chose to look at it, primary sector productivity is still fundamentally important to this country," Peter says. Effective and efficient use of water in horticulture for irrigation, frost protection and washing produce is critical to achieving the horticulture industry's growth target of a $10 billion dollar industry by 2020.

Horticulture New Zealand's Levy Vote Successful

1 OCTOBER 2012

Horticulture New Zealand's levy referendum vote closed on Friday showing 85% support for the industry good organisation.

This confirms grower backing for continued levy funding for the next six years.

The referendum asked for approval for a grower levy of 15 cents for every $100 of sales on all fruit and vegetables to raise about $2.5 million a year for HortNZ work on industry wide issues, like biosecurity policy, land and water use issues and seasonal labour needs.

"It is gratifying to see growers understand the value of the work done on their behalf and most importantly, the strength we all gain from having a unified voice for all growers," HortNZ president Andrew Fenton says.

"The industry faces enormous challenges now and in the next few years. So it's critical to have a unified voice if we are going to overcome these challenges and grow the industry value."

The levy referendum for Horticulture New Zealand was conducted alongside four referendums for the vegetable industry product groups Vegetables New Zealand, Potatoes New Zealand Inc, TomatoesNZ and Process Vegetables New Zealand. All these groups achieved strong positive referendum support.

A commodity levy referendum vote is unusual in that the votes are counted in two ways, once on a one-grower-one-vote basis and again on a 'weighted' value basis. The organisation holding the vote needs to achieve a majority in both to be successful.

For full results for each group click here

Levy Referendum 2012 - Information Pack Have You Received Yours?

12 June 2012

Recently the Vegetable Product Groups posted out material on the upcoming levy referendum. If for any reason you have not received yours please see the PDF's below.

Product Groups Collective Levy Brochure

Vegetables New Zealand Levy Brochure

Why is a referendum being held?

The product groups are funded by a levy order established under the Commodities Levy Act 1990. The current levy order expires in June 2013, so a grower referendum is being held in September 2012 to establish grower support for a new levy order.

How will votes be cast?

There will be separate voting papers for the HortNZ levy and each of the Vegetable Product Group levies. To be passed, each commodity levy proposal must be supported in a referendum by a majority of voters, measured both on a 'one grower one vote' basis and a 'value of production' weighted basis. Voters will be asked to indicate their value of production (in the preceding 12 months) for the crop being voted on.

Two Ticks - Vote for each relevant product group levy as well as the HortNZ levy

Growers will be asked to vote in support of the HortNZ levy and also each of the vegetable product groups they are members of.

HortNZ and the product groups do different and complimentary work to deliver support and services to growers. They work together effectively and efficiently.

Why should I vote?

Since HortNZ came into existence in 2005, the vegetable product groups have continued to work for you alongside HortNZ to improve the strength of your business and the industry. So we can continue to add value to your business through complex and challenging times, we are asking you to support each product group levy and also the HortNZ levy when you vote in September.

Remember the referendum is not a choice about voting for one or the other – a vote for HortNZ and each of your product groups is needed to maintain the support you receive today.

Do You Wish To Learn More About Leadership?

23 march 2012

Then apply now for this unique opportunity offered by Horticulture New Zealand.

Who Can Apply?
Those people who have demonstrated a willingness to assume responsibility in the fruit or vegetable industry and have shown evidence of leadership. Please note that there is no age limit.

When and Where?
Phase 1 is a three-day residential programme at Lincoln University, from 23 to 26 August 2012, Phase 2 is independent work and Phase 3 is a three-day programme in Wellington from 24 to 26 October 2012.

Cost
For growers there is no fee – the programme is being funded through HortNZ. For non-growers there will be a fee of $3200 + GST.

All participants will need to cover their travel costs to and from Lincoln University, Canterbury for Phase 1 and to and from Wellington for Phase 3.

What Will the Course Do for You?
At the end of the programme you will have:
• Increased confidence to take the lead
• Gained some "ready to use" leadership / business skills such as dealing with media, communication, and decision-making skills
• Gained an awareness of the issues such as governance versus management and strategic thinking versus operational thinking
• Identified your own personal style and your strengths and weaknesses
• Gained a wider perspective on industry issues
• Had the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other leaders

How to Apply?
For applications and nomination forms Click Here or contact Kirsty Mills, HortNZ Ph 04 472 3795, kirsty.mills@hortnz.co.nz or from www.hortnz.co.nz under activity areas/leadership. Applications close on 31 May 2012. Note that referees are required to provide information within the same timeframe.

Rinse, Return, Reward$

16 february 2012

Win one of ten $500 vouchers to spend at your preferred rural supplier!

Simply recycle your plastic containers with Agrecovery at one of 70 collection sites nationwide during March and April 2012.

Containers from 55+ supporting brand owners are FREE to recycle.

Agrecovery Competition Terms and Conditions apply.

Visit www.agrecovery.co.nz

Freephone 0800 AGRECOVERY.


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Welcome Welcome to the New Zealand Fresh Vegetable website The Fresh Vegetable Product Group of Horticulture New Zealand represents the interests of growers of all fresh vegetable crops (other than potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, and buttercup squash). It represents approximately 1,450 growers who produce over 50 crops with a farm gate value of $326 million per annum. It is the largest of the vegetable Product Groups, and with such a wide range of crops, it has the task of ensuring that the interests of all its member growers are appropriately represented. This website is funded by the commodity levy paid by vegetable growers. The aim is to provide a range of information for growers and a timely resource on industry events and developments. Some sections of this website are password protected and only available to commodity levy payers and members. In order to view these pages you need to login or register (see panel above). FEEDBACK We value your feedback. Contact us to comment on any aspect of our website or how we can further be of service to you. email us	News Seed Smugglers Sent Packing 20 NOVEMBER 2012 Border officials sent two foreign air passengers packing last Friday after they tried to smuggle seeds through Auckland airport. The seeds were found after a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) quarantine inspector became suspicious of two Chinese passport holders arriving from Shanghai and sent them to have their luggage searched. The search unearthed 14 foil-wrapped packages of seeds. The packages had been concealed under the inner soles of shoes, within a carton lining, in a handbag and in some wedding invitations. A police officer also conducted a personal search of one of the passengers after a MPI detector dog gave a positive indication when sniffing the pair. As a result of the seed find, immigration officials refused the husband and wife entry permission to the country. They were sent back to China that night and are unlikely to be granted visas to enter New Zealand in the future. "The pair acted recklessly. They either ignored or failed to understand that the illegal importation of seeds could devastate New Zealand's horticulture industry or native plant life," says MPI's Craig Hughes, Manager North Passenger and Mail. He says the successful outcome was the result of positive interaction between all border agencies. The seeds have yet to be identified. Media contact (MPI): William Minchin Agricultural Tractor Vehicles – RUC update 19 November 2012 The Rural Transport meeting held on October 3rd discussed the following for the proposed resubmission. It was determined that 40kph be the benchmark speed as drivers who intended to travel in excess of this speed were generally contractors (due to time and distance) and therefore should pay a portion of the road maintenance costs by RUCs due to greater wear and tear. Conversely the concession would be that vehicles registered to travel at less than 40kph (this would apply to most commercial growers) requiring only an EX registration and be exempt from any compliance. The key points of the submission were: Tractors driven at less than 40 KPH (with a 5kph threshold) will: Require an EX Registration (EX - Exemption for RUC) Class 1 Drivers Licence for tractors up to 18 tonne or in combination up to 25 tonne Not have any distance limits Not require a Warrant Fitness Not require any inspections Not pay Road User Charges Not require a work time rule or log book But must be up to roadworthy standard Tractors driven at more than 41 KPH wil: Require a G Registration Will be required to pay RUC (application, process and costs to be decided) Require the appropriate licence (maybe Class 2 if over 18 tonne) with work time and log book implications Require a WoF but simplified and extended from 6 to 12 renewal intervals Growers Say There's Nothing To Be Calm About 16 november 2012 Horticulture New Zealand and the Tararua Growers Association welcome the sensible words of Primary Industries Minister David Carter who is obviously deeply concerned about the estimated cost of a recent Environment Court decision on farmers and growers. The Minister has soundly rejected comments from the Horizons Regional Council suggesting research commissioned by the Ministry for Primary Industries is inaccurate. "In our experience, MPI doesn't make a habit of buying inaccurate research," HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says. "If their report says there is the potential for farming profits to drop by up to 43 percent thanks to the conditions applied by Horizons and the Environment Court, then that's exactly what the potential is. "The growers HortNZ represents, right up and down New Zealand, are very, very worried by the Horizons One Plan, and we will continue to argue their case as long as we can. "Thankfully the Minister appears to support our efforts and that will give great heart to all our growers. "Just yesterday, with the release of the third and final report from the Land and Water Forum, we had many, many groups that don't make a habit of agreeing with each other urging the Government to push on with a ground-breaking opportunity to bring in a new wide-ranging fresh water management approach. "What a shame this attitude couldn't quite reach to the Horizons region," Peter says. As some of the first and worst affected farmers by the Horizons One Plan, the Tararua Growers Association adds its strong support to the Minister's comments. "The Horizons chairman can tell growers and farmers to remain calm, but it's impossible for us to stay calm when our businesses are under such a threat," says Terry Olsen, potato grower and TGA chairman. "As the MPI report correctly shows, our growers face up to a 43% drop in profit because of the One Plan. That will mean many growers will go out of business, jobs will be lost throughout the Manawatu, and inevitably people everywhere will be paying a lot more for their vegetables. "That's nothing to be calm about." HortNZ Keen to See Land & Water Forum Recommendations Embraced 16 november 2012 Horticulture New Zealand welcomes the release today of the third and final Land & Water Forum report and urges the Government to implement the recommendations. "This has been a long and challenging process of consultation and consensus between groups who would not otherwise willingly get together and achieve binding results. "So we'd like to see cross-party agreement on the importance of all New Zealand aiming to implement the LWF's recommendations," HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says. HortNZ and the growers it represents made a significant long-term investment into this process and want Government and local authorities to take the results seriously. HortNZ agrees with LWF chair Alastair Bisley this is a "once in a generation chance" to resolve what seemed like insurmountable disagreement around fresh water management. "With appropriate Government leadership and the collaborative approach proposed by the LWF, we can get balanced outcomes for both economic productivity and environmental protection. "Growers are already responding to environmental challenges. The next step is to make local government more accountable for their plan changes, particularly in terms of costs and benefits. "Whichever way you chose to look at it, primary sector productivity is still fundamentally important to this country," Peter says. Effective and efficient use of water in horticulture for irrigation, frost protection and washing produce is critical to achieving the horticulture industry's growth target of a $10 billion dollar industry by 2020. Horticulture New Zealand's Levy Vote Successful 1 OCTOBER 2012 Horticulture New Zealand's levy referendum vote closed on Friday showing 85% support for the industry good organisation. This confirms grower backing for continued levy funding for the next six years. The referendum asked for approval for a grower levy of 15 cents for every $100 of sales on all fruit and vegetables to raise about $2.5 million a year for HortNZ work on industry wide issues, like biosecurity policy, land and water use issues and seasonal labour needs. "It is gratifying to see growers understand the value of the work done on their behalf and most importantly, the strength we all gain from having a unified voice for all growers," HortNZ president Andrew Fenton says. "The industry faces enormous challenges now and in the next few years. So it's critical to have a unified voice if we are going to overcome these challenges and grow the industry value." The levy referendum for Horticulture New Zealand was conducted alongside four referendums for the vegetable industry product groups Vegetables New Zealand, Potatoes New Zealand Inc, TomatoesNZ and Process Vegetables New Zealand. All these groups achieved strong positive referendum support. A commodity levy referendum vote is unusual in that the votes are counted in two ways, once on a one-grower-one-vote basis and again on a 'weighted' value basis. The organisation holding the vote needs to achieve a majority in both to be successful. For full results for each group click here Levy Referendum 2012 - Information Pack Have You Received Yours? 12 June 2012 Recently the Vegetable Product Groups posted out material on the upcoming levy referendum. If for any reason you have not received yours please see the PDF's below. Product Groups Collective Levy Brochure Vegetables New Zealand Levy Brochure Why is a referendum being held? The product groups are funded by a levy order established under the Commodities Levy Act 1990. The current levy order expires in June 2013, so a grower referendum is being held in September 2012 to establish grower support for a new levy order. How will votes be cast? There will be separate voting papers for the HortNZ levy and each of the Vegetable Product Group levies. To be passed, each commodity levy proposal must be supported in a referendum by a majority of voters, measured both on a 'one grower one vote' basis and a 'value of production' weighted basis. Voters will be asked to indicate their value of production (in the preceding 12 months) for the crop being voted on. Two Ticks - Vote for each relevant product group levy as well as the HortNZ levy Growers will be asked to vote in support of the HortNZ levy and also each of the vegetable product groups they are members of. HortNZ and the product groups do different and complimentary work to deliver support and services to growers. They work together effectively and efficiently. Why should I vote? Since HortNZ came into existence in 2005, the vegetable product groups have continued to work for you alongside HortNZ to improve the strength of your business and the industry. So we can continue to add value to your business through complex and challenging times, we are asking you to support each product group levy and also the HortNZ levy when you vote in September. Remember the referendum is not a choice about voting for one or the other – a vote for HortNZ and each of your product groups is needed to maintain the support you receive today. Do You Wish To Learn More About Leadership? 23 march 2012 Then apply now for this unique opportunity offered by Horticulture New Zealand. Who Can Apply? Those people who have demonstrated a willingness to assume responsibility in the fruit or vegetable industry and have shown evidence of leadership. Please note that there is no age limit. When and Where? Phase 1 is a three-day residential programme at Lincoln University, from 23 to 26 August 2012, Phase 2 is independent work and Phase 3 is a three-day programme in Wellington from 24 to 26 October 2012. Cost For growers there is no fee – the programme is being funded through HortNZ. For non-growers there will be a fee of $3200 + GST. All participants will need to cover their travel costs to and from Lincoln University, Canterbury for Phase 1 and to and from Wellington for Phase 3. What Will the Course Do for You? At the end of the programme you will have: • Increased confidence to take the lead • Gained some "ready to use" leadership / business skills such as dealing with media, communication, and decision-making skills • Gained an awareness of the issues such as governance versus management and strategic thinking versus operational thinking • Identified your own personal style and your strengths and weaknesses • Gained a wider perspective on industry issues • Had the opportunity to network and develop relationships with other leaders How to Apply? For applications and nomination forms Click Here or contact Kirsty Mills, HortNZ Ph 04 472 3795, kirsty.mills@hortnz.co.nz or from www.hortnz.co.nz under activity areas/leadership. Applications close on 31 May 2012. Note that referees are required to provide information within the same timeframe. Rinse, Return, Reward$ 16 february 2012 Win one of ten $500 vouchers to spend at your preferred rural supplier! Simply recycle your plastic containers with Agrecovery at one of 70 collection sites nationwide during March and April 2012. Containers from 55+ supporting brand owners are FREE to recycle. Agrecovery Competition Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.agrecovery.co.nz Freephone 0800 AGRECOVERY.

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