A recent Horizons Research poll identified rising food prices as one of the most pressing concerns for New Zealanders. Fresh vegetables are a major part of household grocery bills, and any disruption to production threatens both affordability and availability. New Zealand's vegetable growers are increasingly worried about the impact of regulatory constraints on their ability to continue supplying the market.
Over 80% of vegetables grown in New Zealand are consumed domestically. That supply is critical because New Zealand cannot import fresh vegetables at the reasonable prices we have now.
However, the country's commercial vegetable production (CVP) has unique characteristics. Climate, soil, and topography mean only a limited number of regions can supply the entire country. Current regulations impacting vegetable growing are creating risks for both supply and pricing.
To address this, Horticulture New Zealand has been advocating for the Government to make vegetable growing a permitted activity -- either through the Resource Management Act (RMA) or as a National Environmental Standard (NES).
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