Practical policy settings will unlock horticulture and export growth

The National Party’s policies promising to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, help secure New Zealand’s food production future and grow export value.

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott says growers need practical, durable settings that secure broad political support and provide the certainty required for long-term investment.

“Horticulture is already a major export earner. The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries forecasts horticulture export revenue of $9.2 billion for the year to 30 June 2026.

“Through the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, the sector’s shared growth framework, industry, government, Māori and science partners have set an ambition to double farmgate revenue by 2035.

“Meeting that ambition requires investment in productive land, water, energy, people and infrastructure. Growers will invest when policy settings are stable, nationally consistent and reduce unnecessary regulatory cost and duplication.”

National standards for vegetable growing, on-farm water storage and irrigation, solar and energy storage, seasonal-worker accommodation and farm plans would address material barriers to investment and production, says Scott.

“These measures align with HortNZ’s priorities of sustainable and enduring water security, less red tape and duplication, and investment in the critical infrastructure that enables horticulture.

“For vegetable growers, clear and consistent rules would strengthen domestic food production and unlock investment in productive land. Better pathways for water storage and efficient irrigation would build resilience to drought and climate variability, while proportionate rules for on-farm solar and battery storage would lower costs and improve energy security.”

Practical accommodation settings would help growers house seasonal labour safely at peak production and harvest times.

Risk-based, proportionate farm plans that recognise trusted industry assurance programmes would allow growers to focus resources on outcomes rather than repeat the same information for different agencies.

“Nationally consistent standards must lower avoidable cost and uncertainty while maintaining clear safeguards and strong environmental outcomes. They must be developed with growers and coordinated across central and local government,” says Scott.

“We also welcome stronger biosecurity at the border and would like to see the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Amendment Bill passed.

“Strong border protections are essential to safeguarding growers, productive land and market access from costly pest and disease incursions.

“Reform of the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 is also a positive development for horticulture. A modern intellectual property framework will support plant breeding and help drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity across the sector.”

HortNZ is asking all political parties to support enduring policy settings that protect productive land, secure reliable water, enable critical infrastructure and support investment in healthy food for domestic and export markets.

“This opportunity is bigger than any single policy, party or parliamentary term. An enduring framework for food production, environmental performance and regional prosperity will help New Zealand realise horticulture’s full economic potential.”