Issues and Trends
The farm gate value of vegetables sold in New Zealand broke the half billion dollar barrier for the first time in 1999 with sales of $517 million. This figure is calculated from Vegfed's levy income, which makes it impossible to tell whether this increase is due to better prices or increased volumes.
The New Zealand potato export industry is still young and small but recent developments are set to increase both the amount and value of this market. The Potato Export Access Committee has negotiated access to Europe from 1 March to 31 August 2000, following a successful trial in 1998. Other potato export markets include Fiji and Asia.
Vegfed predicts that up to 20% of growers may leave the industry if the current downward price trend continues. While only a 'rough estimate', 20% of the 3,300 registered growers represents 660 growers.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) makes decisions about importing, development or release of new organisms. It is also responsible for decisions about new hazardous substances, including agrichemicals. Growers are concerned about the effect this legislation will have on the availability and cost of new chemicals. This is particularly important as it may mean chemicals used on smaller volume crops may not be registered in New Zealand for this minor use.
Vegfed have released a quality assurance programme. The objectives are to create a traceable production system from seed to plate, so that all inputs into production and distribution can be identified and also to comply with changes to food safety requirements in New Zealand and in the international market. A manual and training courses accompany the programme, with only those successfully completing the requirements of the training being eligible to use the Vegfed approved supplier logo. So far approximately 220 growers have joined the programme.
The Franklin Sustainability Project (FSP) is in its third and final year. Scientific trials carried out this year have looked at irrigation efficiency, IPM in brassica (demonstration site), impact of subsoiling on nitrate leaching, wheel track ripping as an erosion control tool and timing of fertiliser application effect on nitrate leaching for potatoes, onions and cabbage. The production of a best management practice booklet will bring together the three years work, and be used as the basis of a two-year education
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Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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