Ambitious roadmap to double farmgate returns

The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a roadmap to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.

Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg says the roadmap builds on the sector’s Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP).

“The Implementation Roadmap launched today will help drive the ongoing success of Kiwi growers,” Nicola Grigg says.

“It includes practical actions that build on work to boost growth and resilience, focusing on three key areas: building foundations, driving farmgate value and enabling a future-fit sector.

“Key to the success of the roadmap will be collective input and support from industry, government, Māori, and research providers.

“This support signals a joint commitment to implement the AHAP, and the roadmap will drive its successful delivery.”

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said work on the AHAP to date focused on delivery of early-win projects and implementation planning.

“The new roadmap signals the transition from aspiration to implementation.

“All actions will be completed with sustainability in mind.”

AHAP independent chair Andrew Gibbs said this next phase will generate a concerted effort across the AHAP’s priority areas:

·       Growing sustainably.

·       Optimising value.

·       Ensuring Māori are strong in horticulture.

·       Nurturing people.

·       Ensuring the sector is underpinned by science and knowledge.

“The planned actions include a strong focus on enduring policies and approaches that will help future-proof our horticulture sector,” Andrew Gibbs says.

“This includes areas such as workforce, labour and employment settings, growing exports, facilitating access to germplasm, improving crop protection tools and practices for growers, and celebrating Māori success in in the horticulture sector.”

Andrew Gibbs says the roadmap takes a phased approach to deliver the AHAP.

“A stocktake in 2024 identified more than 530 discrete initiatives that align with AHAP actions, many of which are already underway or have now been completed. This was a key consideration when deciding the actions to include in the Implementation Roadmap.

“While all actions in the AHAP are a high priority, we will be taking a sensible, phased approach.

“The success of the AHAP and achieving the goal of doubling farmgate value by 2035 will require close collaboration.

“It also serves as a challenge to all the quad partners of industry, government, Māori, and research providers to take action – your contribution and support will help us achieve sustainable growth, and drive grower success across New Zealand.”

Minister Grigg, in partnership with the sector, launched the new roadmap at the Horticulture Conference in Wellington today.