Hi Everyone
To those of you whom I have met already, particularly at this week’s SummerGreen meeting in the Hawke’s Bay, thanks for making me feel so welcome. For those of you whom I am yet to meet, there will be another chance for discussion at this week’s SummerGreen meeting in Central Otago on Wednesday 23 October.
Since I started on 30 September, a big focus for me has been to develop a broad base of understanding of the various parts of our supply chain. I want to understand where the risks lie and how we can support the industry to mitigate these.
Making the most impact
It's apparent that the scope is broad and there will never be sufficient resource to be everything to everyone. That’s why Summerfruit NZ needs to get close to members to best understand the issues of most relevance to most of the industry. We then need to understand the most efficient way to address these issues. Collaboration is clearly going to be key to ensuring levy dollars are invested as efficiently as possible.
Over the past few weeks, a key message I have heard is the margin squeeze that growers are feeling. Costs are increasing and there is concern that pricing may not be able to rise fast enough to ensure some businesses remain viable. There is also ongoing frustration around aspects of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, as well as the uncertainty associated with access to water and the right to farm.
The growers I've visited are encouraged by their crops at this stage in the season. You are generally optimistic about the pending harvest. I'm also hearing that the season in the Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough is looking early, with Central Otago slightly later.
Hopefully, this scenario provides a longer selling season. I haven't yet spent a lot of time with exporters, but this will be a focus for me over the coming weeks.
Medium term focus
Looking to the medium term, I want to review our workstreams against what is of greatest importance to our members. The consultation process ahead of the renewal of our levy order next year is going to be central to this. Simply put, I want to meet as many stakeholders as possible and hear where they see the risks and opportunities ahead. I plan on being proactive in this space and getting my gumboots on to visit growers on-orchard.
My door is always open, so to speak, so please do not hesitate in making contact me by calling on 027 461 6020 or email, dean.smith@summerfruitnz.co.nz. I am keen to hear from everyone.
Regards, Dean