By LIAM DANN AND AGENCIES
Two long-established industry bodies could disappear this week when fruit and vegetable growers gather for their annual conference.
At separate annual meetings - to be held at a joint conference in Christchurch - members of VegFed and the Fruitgrowers Federation will vote on whether to merge to
create a united body, Horticulture New Zealand.
Fruitgrowers was founded 87 years ago, and VegFed is 47.
But a delay seems likely, as fruit growers are keen to have a referendum on the decision.
But even with a referendum - possibly within the next couple of months - a new organisation could be formed by the end of the year, says Peter Silcock, chief executive of both industry bodies.
"Certainly there will be some debate," he said.
'That's partly because people are used to what we have got already and those two organisations have been working fairly well.
"But we think we can do a hell of a lot better."
Growers were looking for a combined organisation to wield more influence in promoting a growing industry worth $2.2 billion in exports, he said.
"The general feeling is that horticulture is under-represented and needs a higher profile nationally with politicians and the public."
Marketing of export produce would still be done by individual exporters and groups.
Horticulture New Zealand would concentrate on national issues such as labour shortages, free trade and market access, compliance costs, and education and training.
The new merger proposal was more flexible than one floated last year, and responsibilities had been clearly divided, Silcock said.
Apple, kiwifruit and other product groups would be affiliated to Horticulture New Zealand, allowing them to retain their identity.
Those groups and district associations, such as the Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association, would nominate board members. All growers would have the right to vote.
"We see it as creating an environment where the horticulture industry can expand and meet its targets for growth," Silcock said.
The organisation would have plenty of big issues to deal with, including labour shortages and the free-trade deal with China.
The industry needed to look closely at the benefits and the risks of the China deal and make sure its voice was heard when a draft was put forward, Silcock said.
Other issues for the organisation included regulatory policy, taxation, resource management, and border security.
