Access eased for fruit and vegetable industry

New Zealand's fruit and vegetable industry is expected to earn greater access to the European market after its quality assurance programme was recognised as being equivalent to the European market standard.

The NZ Fresh Produce Approved Supplier Programme gained equivalency to the European programme, known as EurepGAP, which means New Zealand growers can now export produce that is covered by a recognised approved supplier programme.

"It is also a great endorsement of our industry and highlights the fact that in many respects we are leaders in this area," said Russell Jordan, chairman of the programme's management committee.


Launched in 1999, the approved supplier programme was originally developed for the New Zealand market.