‘It starts with us’

I was fortunate to attend the NZ Apples & Pears conference in Nelson last week. I say fortunate for several reasons, one being the weather and the impact the massive rain event has had on the region. This once in a hundred-year weather event almost saw the conference postponed.

Other reasons were the opportunity to catch up with growers face to face as well as the opportunity to listen to a diverse range of speakers, and reflect.

One of my key reflections is that it all starts with us. By that I mean, it is only us – the horticulture industry – who can solve our problems but also, that we do have the capability to respond to our challenges and in doing so, show the world a thing or two.

One of the speakers – Walt Duflock from Western Growers in the United States – said New Zealand’s problems where no different to the problems facing the rest of world, specifically labour and skill shortages, increasing compliance costs, the impacts of climate change, and ever-particular consumers.

I know that is cold comfort but several speakers reminded us of the strength of our industry and how successful we are, on the international stage.

Our fruit and vegetables are the best in the world and our industry, the most efficient. We can’t forget that as we negotiate the next few years – work our way through current challenges – and face a future which in ten years’ time, will be considerably different to the world we grow in today.

We heard how young people are different and how that is in response to the world they have been brought up in – a world quite different to the one most of us were brought up in. This difference was not presented as an excuse, rather as something we have the ability to adapt to but adapt, we must, if we are to continue to prosper as an industry.

Passion was another of the reflections that I had during the conference. Everyone I heard speak or had the chance to catch up with was passionate, even if they were not using that word. When speakers spoke on the subject of passion, it was to say that passion was the energy that would provide us with solutions to ensure future success.

It is tough out there and it’s going to remain tough for some time. But I believe working together as an industry and following our passion will ensure our success. This approach will give us the drive to do what we are capable of doing – and have done many times before: take action to make sure our industry stays a world leader and returns to prosperity.

‘It starts with us.’