Value in challenging environment - conference 2007

Horticulture New Zealand
News Release
11 June 2007

Creating value in a challenging environment - Horticulture New Zealand conference 2007

“Creating Value Together” is the theme for this year’s Horticulture New Zealand conference, with a programme line up that focuses on partnerships between competitors, industry, government and scientists.

“Our theme of ‘creating value together’shows that for the horticulture industry to be successful in the future, everyone needs to work together,” says HortNZ President and Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower, Andrew Fenton.

The conference, to be held at the Christchurch Convention Centre from 31 July to 2 August 2007, promises an outstanding lineup of speakers, including:

* Ray Cesca, Founder, President, and CEO of GAEÁ International, a market development, trade, and strategic planning organisation – who will talk about his background with McDonald’s World Trade and working in international markets.
* Jolene Brown from West Branch, Iowa, USA – who will cover succession planning, a crucial concern in the NZ industry.
* Mark McCrindle, Future Trends Expert – how the horticulture industry needs to connect with Generation Y and Z as customers, potential employees and participants in the industry.
* David Speirs, Speirs Group –discussing their partnership with Massey University to incorporate Omega 3 into their produce.
* Buzz Shahan, United Potato Growers of America – will discuss whether their strategy for US potato growers to work together to achieve reasonable returns has worked.
* The Minister of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hon Jim Anderton, and Andrew Fenton, President, HortNZ will also address the conference.

Breakout sessions focus on the practical with topics including seasonal labour shortage solutions, connecting with Generations Y & Z and strategies for success in the international market.

“New Zealand growers are facing more challenges than ever before, with high exchange rates, rising costs of compliance and labour issues,” says Mr Fenton. “The conference provides an opportunity for growers to come together to discuss issues, best practice and share solutions.”

Registrations for the conference are now open, and registration forms are available on the HortNZ website, www.hortnz.co.nz, by emailing info[at]hortnz.co.nz or by calling 04 472 3795.

ENDS

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