Industry action plan launched in Gisborne today

Earlier today in Gisborne, I joined a group of industry representatives, Māori, Government representatives including the Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, and research sector representatives to launch the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan.

The action plan has been developed to ensure the horticulture industry can realise its potential, and increase grower returns and achieve $12 billion in revenue by 2035.

It is critical that our industry has a plan as our operating environment is unlikely to become any less complex or challenging in the future. 

Our industry is too small to take a fragmented approach. We must continue to work together – that includes our entire industry, Māori, research providers and universities, investors and Government, including regulators. This plan will help to unite us all for the common good. 

Our industry has many positive fundamental factors on its side. We have proud, committed growers with an impressive track record of success, while our industry is one of the most innovative and efficient in the world. We grow some of the best, most nutritious and tastiest low carbon fruit and vegetables in the world. 

However, our industry cannot rest on our laurels. Climate change is here and will make growing more difficult. Consumers are becoming more concerned about everything associated with their food – from paddock to plate, and after the plate too. Competitors across the world have impressive R&D and marketing programmes in place. Most also have the advantage of being closer to large, high value markets. 

Successful industries have plans, regularly review progress against them and refine their plans, without knee jerk changes of direction. This is the approach we will be taking with the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, via an annual implementation plan and investment roadmap. 

The action plan is the product of considerable time and effort by all those involved. We are all vested in the success of the plan. As we implement the plan, there will be challenges, however, we have the commitment and mechanisms to work through these challenges, and make the best decisions for the future success of our industry.