Zespri director Ray Sharp has resigned from the board over what is being described as a conflict of interest.
In a statement Mr Sharp said, because of the threat of Psa-V, he had made an orchard management decision which he felt compromised his position on the Zespri board.
``Like so many growers in the industry the threat of Psa to my livelihood, and the realisation that the 17 years I have spent building my orchard may all amount to nothing, put me under great pressure.
``As a result I have made the decision to voluntarily resign from the Zespri Board this week.
I have been involved in the kiwifruit industry for 25 years. This is an industry that has been built
by many committed and innovative growers over 100 years.
``I remain committed to supporting ZESPRI and the wider kiwifruit industry as we emerge through the destruction caused by Psa and move toward a brighter future,'' his statement said.
Zespri board chairman John Loughlin said it was with sadness that he accepted Mr Sharp's resignation.
``Ray volunteered his resignation to me, after notifying the board of a potential conflict of interest related to his orchard activities.
``I know Ray remains a staunch supporter of the industry, retains the respect of fellow growers and will continue to add value to an industry he has such passion for,'' Mr Loughlin said.
Mr Sharp is a grower-director of ZespriI, and was elected to the board in 2009. His former director's position will remain vacant until the Zespri annual meeting on July 18, 2012.
While on the Zespri board, Mr Sharp was a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and of the Industry Advisory Council.
He has a background in Chartered Accountancy, and is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Mr Sharp was the chair of the Bay of Plenty Community Trust for six years until 2007 and the deputy chair of the combined Community Trusts Group of New Zealand.
Mr Sharp has been involved in the kiwifruit industry since 1995, starting out as an orchardist before becoming a grower director of post-harvest operator Eastpack in 1997. He is currently the Chairman of Eastpack.
