3 Oct 2012

Horticulture NZ levy to continue for 6 more years

2:57 pm on 3 October 2012

Horticulture New Zealand says 85% of growers have voted to continue levy funding for the organisation for the next six years.

A levy referendum asked growers whether they approved paying 15 cents for every $100 of sales on fruit and vegetables.

The levy raises about $2.5 million a year to use on industry-wide issues such as biosecurity policy, land and water use and seasonal labour needs.

Growers also approved renewed levies for the four sector groups; fresh and processed vegetables, tomatoes and potatoes.

Horticulture NZ president Andrew Fenton says says it 's delighted and relieved with the result.

Only 30% of growers voted, but Mr Fenton says that is usual, and the important thing is that among them were some significant growers who pay considerable amounts.