Fruit and veges in same basket

By LIAM DANN

Fruit and vegetable growers have voted unanimously to merge their two industry organisations.

The New Zealand Fruit Growers Federation (NZFF) and the Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation (Vegefed) are now expected to merge in 12 months, once details of the new industry body have been worked out.

The new organisation will be called Horticulture New Zealand.

Vegefed and NZFF both held annual meetings at the national horticulture conference in Auckland this week. In two unanimous votes members from both organisations approved the merger in principle.

Peter Silcock, who already acts as chief executive for both organisations, said the members did not want the merger plans rushed.

He said there were more than 20 groups, representing growers of specific fruits and vegetables, affiliated to either federation.

A working group would be formed to consult with those groups and determine the final structure of the new organisation.

The aim was to have a detailed proposal ready for a final vote at next year's horticulture conference.

Meanwhile it was likely that the groups would start working closely together.