New Zealand Vegetable Industry Manifesto launched at Parliament

More than 100 MPs, government officials, growers and other vegetable industry participants attended the launch of the New Zealand Vegetable Industry Manifesto at the second, Vegetable Industry Showcase held at Parliament on 30 June.

‘The New Zealand commercial vegetable sector is a $1.1 billion industry that provides New Zealanders and export markets with healthy and great tasting food. And yet, the industry struggles for recognition, and does not enjoy the profile that larger parts of the food and fibre sector do, says NZVeg Independent Chair, Dame Alison Stewart.

‘What’s more, access to land, water, crop protection products and skilled labour is under threat, with 50% of growers saying that their current profit margins are tight, while 20% say that they are not profitable.

‘All these factors add up to an industry in which growers do not have the confidence they need to continue to invest. This situation could compromise New Zealand’s regional economies, as well as the health of New Zealanders. Healthy, locally grown vegetables could be forced off the table if action is not taken right away.

‘That is where the New Zealand Vegetable Sector Manifesto comes in. It outlines the sector’s challenges alongside what the solutions are. The Manifesto also invites government to partner with the sector to revitalise it, so growers have the confidence to invest in the future.’

Read the New Zealand Vegetable Sector Manifesto >>

At the Vegetable Industry Showcase a video on growing vegetables in New Zealand that was shown. View the Video >>