NZKGI receives 'strong mandate' from kiwifruit growers in referendum - FreshFruitPortal.com

NZKGI receives 'strong mandate' from kiwifruit growers in referendum

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NZKGI receives 'strong mandate' from kiwifruit growers in referendum

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) says it has been given a 'strong mandate' by kiwifruit growers to work on their behalf for the next six-year levy cycle, following an industry referendum.

Of those who voted, 85% of growers supported the entity's proposed levy. Votes were cast by 49% of growers eligible to vote in the referendum, representing 63% of total production.

These results compare to the levy referendum in 2011, in which 87% of voters supported the proposed levy.

“The positive result is a great endorsement for our work over the last six years," NZKGI chairperson Doug Brown said.

"It is especially pleasing to improve on our voter turnout given the last referendum took place when many growers were very engaged in the kiwifruit industry due to the outbreak of Psa.

"The kiwifruit industry is experiencing a real growth phase and has an exciting future. NZKGI will be there to make sure that growers interests remain the top priority."

The industry body's CEO Nikki Johnson said the entity was "delighted with the positive response from growers", adding she was "privileged to lead an organisation that is going from strength to strength in its advocacy".

"Nevertheless, there will be challenges for the sector and I encourage all growers to engage with their representatives to make sure that NZKGI is focusing on issues important to them," she said.

Kiwifruit growers first voted to establish a kiwifruit commodity levy to fund the operation of NZKGI in 2011. Since that time, it has achieved a series of outcomes for growers such as the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project, which includes ensuring that Zespri achieves long-term market, strategic and financial performance for the industry.

NZKGI said the levy would be used to continue to fund its operations, adding there would also be "significant new activity" in the areas of communications and performance monitoring.

The levy is set at NZD0.01 per tray (NZD0.0028 per kilogram) and can only be increased by vote at a NZKGI AGM or Special General Meeting.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

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