Two topics are dominating the kiwifruit industry, fruit quality overseas and a series of AGMs on 24 August. The first topic impacts our premium position in the market. A position achieved through hard work and a healthy collaboration between growers, postharvest and Zespri. Our postharvest operators and their hard working staff should be congratulated for all they are doing to deliver high quality fruit to Zespri for the markets, but we need to understand why the cost of quality has been steadily increasing over the last 5 years. Is it the lack of labour? Is it that commercial incentives are weighted more towards early start than storage? Or is it something else? No doubt it will be a combination of factors. We need to learn quickly. NZKGI and I are interested in hearing your views.
The AGMs are on Wednesday, 24 August at the Trustpower Arena – Baypark, Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui. Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated (KVH) is first at 9am. Voting can be done electronically and AGM documentation can be viewed here.
At 11am, the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) AGM is going to commence. If you have any queries or concerns about your voting entitlement or to RSVP for the AGM for catering purposes, please contact NZKGI toll free on 0800 232 505 or email the office on info@nzkgi.org.nz.
Zespri is the last AGM at 1pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the results from the past year, reflect on the challenges, ask questions, and participate in the voting process for director appointments. If you can’t attend in person, I encourage you to tune in online, where you will still be able to ask questions, and vote remotely. Visit the Zespri Canopy website for information on how to attend online. Registration will take place from 12pm (midday), with the AGM starting at 1pm.
The Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) strategy producer vote has been well communicated on many platforms such as Zespri webpage, NZKGI podcasts and industry meetings. Votes must be registered online or at the Zespri AGM in person on Wednesday 24 August 2022.
Zespri is preparing a 3-5 year work plan that will ensure the kiwifruit industry thrives as the climate continues to change. To make sure the work is focused on the things that matter, NZKGI and Zespri are seeking grower views on what things matter most. Growers will be able to help direct the focus of this work by participating in an online survey during August. Have your say by clicking here.
The Zespri Crop Protection Standard (CPS) has been updated in which a number of products have been removed from both the CPS and Allowed Other Compounds (AOC) lists and shelter requirements have been put in place. The most recent CPS document can be found here.
I hope to see you at the Zespri roadshow on 31 August at 9am at the Crown Hotel in Napier.
Bye for now,
Jens
Jens Liesebach
KGI Lower North Island Representative
