Horticulture New Zealand holds first conference

29 June 2006

Horticulture New Zealand holds first conference

Horticulture New Zealand, which represents New Zealand’s 7,000 commercial fruit, berry fruit and vegetable growers, is holding its inaugural industry conference in Auckland on 2, 3 and 4 August.

“The conference is a major milestone for Horticulture New Zealand and follows its official launch late last year,”says Horticulture New Zealand President and Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower, Andrew Fenton.

“The conference is a great opportunity for growers to network and find out about the latest innovations and challenges facing the industry.

“It is also the one time of the year the horticulture industry can come together to celebrate its successes. We have been working hard to ensure the programme delivers something of interest and value and we hope as many people as possible can come along and support the event.”

Horticulture New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Silcock said growers, industry partners and suppliers would find the conference beneficial to their business. “The conference programme includes sessions that address many of the big issues currently facing growers and those working throughout the horticulture industry supply chain.”

Some of the topics being covered include biosecurity, water access and usage, and fuel use, as well as the latest in product development and marketing, he says. “Many of these issues are critical for a sustainable and profitable horticulture industry, so we encourage growers to come along and show their support.”

The Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Jim Anderton will give the opening address, while the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr Alan Bollard will discuss “The future for New Zealand horticulture”. Key note speakers include internationally renowned Kiwi chef Peter Gordon, Albert Wada, the Chairman of the United Potato Growers of America and Junn Chanoki of Rabobank Tokyo.

The Horticulture New Zealand conference will be held on 2, 3 and 4 August at Sky City.

ENDS

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