While kiwifruit growers are busy sharpening pruning gear to get as many bays pruned on a dry day, our government is striking a great deal with the EU. New Zealand’s free trade agreement with the European Union was announced two weeks ago and includes the removal of tariffs on New Zealand kiwifruit exports to the European Union, possibly in time for the 2024 season. Zespri paid around $46.5m in tariffs on sales of more than $1 billion into the European Union last season, which is our largest export market. More here.
NZKGI will be running a series of podcasts with experts who will be talking about the Zespri ZGS Producer Vote, due to close at the Zespri AGM on Wednesday 24 August 2022. The aim of these podcasts is to present growers with a range of different perspectives, which may challenge current assumptions and give growers a deeper insight to allow them to make a more informed decision. The first podcast introduces the topic. NZKGI talks to Zespri Chief Global Supply Officer Alastair Hulbert and Italy-based Nikki Johnson, who is Zespri’s Strategic Projects Manager for northern hemisphere supply but is well-known to many growers as the former NZKGI CEO, click here.
In another interesting podcast, NZKGI chair Mark Mayston talks to ZGS Advisory Board chair Craig Thompson about questions on growers’ minds in the lead-up to the vote. Craig owns orchards in the Bay of Plenty and East Coast, as well as Italy where he was based for four years as European Supply Manager for ZGS Europe, click here.
The Kiwifruit New Zealand Board consists of six directors, of which three are elected by producers for a three-year term. This means every year one producer-elected director is due for re-election. Peter Ombler’s first 3-year term expires on 30 September 2022, and he will be standing for re-election for a second term. Nominations open for the Director Election on Monday, 25 July and close Monday, 8 August. For nomination forms or additional information please contact KNZ on 07-572 3685 or email here.
Spraying budbreaker is just around the corner. Please don’t forget to inform your neighbour.
Bye for now,
Jens
Jens Liesebach
KGI Lower North Island Representative
