A New Weekly Information service for NZFGA Members

At the NZFGA AGM/ Day conference in Christchurch last October Chairman David Blewden outlined a number of problems facing the NZ cut flower industry.

The negative impact of imported flowers on the local market and of the variable and all too often excessively high NZ$, on flower exports was  acknowledged.

However there are a number of other factors holding back the NZ Flower industry - 

• Low investment & capital input.

• Practically no research & development.

• A lack of new growers and crops with current growers now ageing.

• Grower numbers have slid 1,500 to 1,050 and now just over 400.

• A lack of best business practices.

• Lack of education and up skilling for active growers.

• All of these factors combined contribute to low productivity and poor profitability.

The association executives and the secretary in particular receive a lot of information about NZ and world horticulture in general. Amongst this information there is some which is very relevant for the production of flower crops.

A weekly information email now being sent out to NZFGA members, attempts to sort the information and pass on articles which are relevant and useful for NZ flower growers. Helping to keep them up to date with the latest marketing ideas, technical ideas and research.

There is just a chance that it may help to address some of those problems identified by the chairman at last year’s AGM in Christchurch.

All enquiries and requests for a membership pack should be directed to Chris Smellie at [email protected]