Andy Warren, NZFGA’s Representative on GERMAC, Responds to Questions from NZEGO About PMAC & GERMAC.

NZFGA supports both PMAC & GERMAC with a combined total of over $2500 each year.

Recent restructuring in NZEGO [NZ Export Growers Organisation] caused questions to be raised and asked of Andy Warren, here is his reply.

Further to my discussion previously I believe it is absolutely vital that NZEGO and indeed the overall flower industry as represented by NZ Flower Growers Association, maintain their connections with PMAC, the peak body which provides for direct dialogue between MPI, MFAT and the horticultural & seed export industry at large

There are many good examples of our ability to react very rapidly and at very little actual cost in solving issues as they arise ( eg LBAM, weevil, phyto certs and inspections). Given that we, on behalf of the flower industry, are at the table ( and have been for 20 years) we know the agency staff on a personal basis and can get results very rapidly as required even at worst as an insurance policy. PMAC manages in conjunction with MPI cost recovered funds of well over a million dollars that are used for maintain market access and all things phytosanitary ( eg ephyto and its development) so you can rest assured that all gathered funds ( essentially from phyto certs of which there are about 45000 annually) are well spent. Take a look at the website for more info and of course the weekly updates

Helen Gear , the Executive Officer of PMAC does an exceptional job and is ALWAYS available ( I had half an hour this morning with her) and has the ability to directly intercede with MPI as things arise – believe me that is a very powerful incentive to stay within the fold for which the investment is a shoestring.

I have attached the family tree of our MPI import export staff. FYI Peter Thomson, the Director  personally comes to my office about every two months for a catchup and hereby we can get our feedback at decision making level ( well above the operational team that sit below him). Interestingly I had him meet with one of our key horticultural importers on Wednesday and he now has a much better idea of what is actually happening. The feedback is that we in industry can do much on a collaborative basis to further our collective businesses

Let me know if you have further issues – I do what I can as it is a voluntary role ( I am the ‘ceremonial’ deputy chair so have direct access to things that matter!!!). I am also on GERMAC ( the peak import body which is supported by NZ Flower Growers) and suggest that its activities are becoming eventually more aligned with PMAC in that import is in many cases the precursor to export. Also on the PVR (plant variety rights) focus group, the PEQ ( post entry quarantine) ILM group etc etc. Given the nature of our business where we are deeply involved in import, quarantine, intellectual property and export, we at least understand the nature of such business at a coal face level

Thanks and regards    Andy Warren

Comment:-

I might add that the value of GERMAC and new plant material is well demonstrated when looking at both the pipfruit and kiwifruit industries,

The pipfruit industry has developed a range of apples with high appeal to Asian markets and sales are soaring.

The kiwifruit industry has expectations of going from a $2b+ industry to a $6b+ industry again on newly developed varieties.

Chris Smellie

Other Recent Activities in Advocacy:-

For up to date information on MPI activity on border security, theres a monthly newsletter 'The Border Space' which is a mine of information and gives an insight into the increasing pressures we face on the biosecurity front. A link to the latest issue is provided below:

Download document  PDF, 1.4 MB]

NZPPI (NZ Plant Producers Inc.) have been in the front line recently on the Myrtle Rust incursion, find the most recent update of progress on this issue here http://nzppi.co.nz/mb/nzppi_170628.htm

Submissions are now closed for changes to the HSNO act as part of the health & Safety reform. There is significance here for growers as parts will relate to the ‘Workplace use of Pesticides’ and the ‘Storage & use of hazardous substances.

From Plant & Food – Work using state of the art genome sequencing has now mapped Manuka’s genetic blueprint.  This has been added to by an understanding of the unique attributes of Manuka’s genetic stock.

Fortuitously it will help predict potential damage from Myrtle Rust and responses to it.

The work by plant & Food has been in collaboration with Landcare Research, University of Waikato, and key Maori partners.