New Zealand Flower Growers Association Looks to the Future

According to Acting President David Blewden, "Reports of the demise of the New Zealand Flower Growers Association are premature and somewhat exaggerated."

At the recent AGM held in Auckland the Association was reinvigorated with a talented and committed group of growers stepping forward to tackle our Industry challenges under the leadership of David Blewden.

What can Growers expect from their Association over the next year?

At a recent half day planning workshop a series of priorities were identified and were allocated to portfolio groups headed up by Theo van Lier, Jacco uit de Bosch and Ian Kempthorne.

"Our key project this year centres around completing the Industry Floribase database and establishing a dedicated Industry website that will give growers access to a vast range of services and information aimed at helping you to make better informed decisions and ultimately be more successful in your businesses. A Sustainable Farming Fund grant is being applied for to support this project, but will still require significant input from the Industry." says David.

Completion of the database is seen as critical, as the association acknowledges that without accurate Industry statistics it is virtually impossible to advocate on behalf of growers.  "Every grower will be contacted personally about the database over the coming months. The sad reality is that no one knows how many growers there are, what the Industry is worth, how many people we employ or what we contribute to the economy of New Zealand.  It is pretty hard to make a compelling case when we know so little about ourselves."

"We also aim to improve the quality and frequency of our communication with growers via this newsletter and other electronic means. 

We will continue to work alongside MPI and monitor the Imports which are becoming a feature of our domestic market.  As a flower exporting Nation we acknowledge the importance of Free Trade, however as the recent exposure of an Importer allegedly importing flowers illegally demonstrates, constant monitoring and oversight is required to ensure a fair and level playing field is maintained and that our biosecurity is not unduly threatened.  Should the allegations be proven your Association will be pressing for the strongest possible penalty to be applied as a deterrent to others who would seek to put our Industry and our businesses at risk through illegal practice.

We will continue to highlight through the media that fresh flower consumers have a choice and need to be aware of where their flowers come from so they can make informed purchasing decisions. Did those roses come from West Auckland or West Africa?

We are also currently investigating whether there is an anti-dumping case that can be taken against Indian flower imports under World Trade Organisation rules.  If a prima facia case can be established then our Government is duty bound under WTO rules to investigate fully, at no cost to the Industry, and if proven implement trade tariffs in favour of the domestic industry.

The member benefits program will be continued and NZFGA members will continue to receive free membership of the Employers and Manufactures Association as well as a range of other benefits.  With proposed changes to Employment Law and ACC having the support and advice of the EMA on tap is invaluable to members."

David and the in-coming committee consider that to be effective the Association needs to be financially robust and this is where growers across New Zealand have a vital part to play.  "We need your membership.  If you are a past member and have not yet renewed your membership please do it today.

If you have never been a member please give serious consideration to becoming a member. 

There is no limit to the things your Association could be doing on your behalf, but sadly we are mainly limited by lack of resources."

Becoming a member of the association is a simple and inexpensive matter. All that's needed is to make contact with secretary Jennie Boerema on [email protected] or talk to a committee member listed on the link https://www.growernews.co.nz/flowers_contact.htm