The chair of Horticulture NZ, Barry O'Neil, reports a cautiously optimistic outlook within the horticulture sector, highlighting a more favorable growing season compared to recent years. Despite harvests not reaching historical highs, the absence of previous labor shortages, albeit with increased labor costs, marks a positive shift. The sector is buoyed by strong market demand for its products and governmental efforts to enhance trade by eliminating barriers and seeking market expansions. Infrastructure remains a challenge, with calls for improvements to roads and ports to boost sector efficiency.
Recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle has seen varied impacts across regions and crops. Northland's kumara growers experienced a solid season, with products returning to shelves at reasonable prices. In Hawke's Bay, despite reduced apple production, fruit quality remains high. However, Gisborne's kiwifruit growers faced significant vine damage, with some orchards losing up to 30% of their vines. Despite these challenges, the majority of orchardists are expected to manage a harvest sufficient to cover production costs, though debts from cyclone damage persist.
Government support has been acknowledged positively, with the appointment of an Associate Minister of Agriculture for horticulture welcomed as a significant step forward. The sector anticipates productive collaboration with Nicola Grigg upon her return from maternity leave. There is appreciation for the government's receptiveness to leveraging existing industry schemes like NZ GAP, avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts.
Source: ruralnewsgroup.co.nz