Vegetables NZ continues calls for bi-partisan approach to commercial vegetable production

Vegetables NZ has been busy in Wellington this week, continuing to push for a bipartisan approach to commercial vegetable production.

We were guests at Business NZ’s 25th birthday celebration at Parliament. At this event, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to “fixing the basics and building a future.”

The Prime Minister also announced that further Resource Management Act reforms will be before Parliament before Christmas. For growers, could be a step towards recognising commercial vegetable growing as a permitted activity with a freshwater farm plan? 

Later in the week, Vegetables NZ met with Green MP Scott Willis to discuss the energy needs of greenhouse growers and the importance of a coherent, long-term national energy strategy. We also called for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to recycle funds back into the industry to support fuel switching.

“Our message was simple,” said Vegetables NZ Chair, John Murphy. “Fresh, healthy food for New Zealanders should be a cornerstone of all government policy — no matter who’s in power.”