Kiwifruit growers in New Zealand are set to commemorate three significant milestones in the industry at a gala dinner scheduled for October 22 at Mercury Bay Park in Mount Maunganui. The event will honor the 35th anniversary of the Single Desk structure, the 30th anniversary of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), and the 25th anniversary of the Kiwifruit Industry Restructuring Act, which facilitated Zespri's commercial operations.
The journey of New Zealand's kiwifruit sector to its current status has been complex, with its origins tracing back to the early 1900s. It was during the 1960s that the commercial kiwifruit industry began to flourish. This event aims to bring together growers, both current and former, along with industry supporters to reflect on the progress made over the years.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and listen to stories from pioneering growers who played a crucial role in establishing the industry. Hendrik Pieters, a grower who began his journey in the kiwifruit sector in his twenties, recalls the challenges faced in the 1980s, including the need for greater control over marketing and production processes. The establishment of the Kiwifruit Marketing Board and the subsequent formation of NZKGI were pivotal moments in addressing these challenges.
The Kiwifruit Industry Restructuring Act of 1999 marked a significant transformation by establishing Zespri as a company with tradable shares among producers. Pieters emphasizes the importance of the Zespri model and its role in the industry's recovery from the Psa-V vine disease, underscoring the need to safeguard this unique structure.
Source: HortNews