One of the main themes for discussion was industry strategies, which included presentations from the NZ Tamarillo Co-operative, Vegetables New Zealand and the Nursery & Garden Industry Association.

Ministry for Primary Industries deputy director general, Scott Gallagher, spoke to the group about food safety issues for the primary sector in New Zealand.

Other issues discussed during the day included biosecurity preparedness and government industry agreements (GIA), labour issues for Recognised Seasonal Employer contractors, HortNZ’s management of its magazines, and Helen Gear from the Plants Market Access Council gave a presentation about MPI’s certification review.

The next forum will be in Wellington on Tuesday, 31 March.