Greater collaboration, stronger representation, and better use of levy funding sit behind the new joint approach from Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated.

Dear Growers,

As the new financial year approaches, I have some good news for the New Zealand greenhouse industry. Vegetables NZ and Tomatoes NZ have been listening to feedback from their covered crop members. There has been a call, for several years, that TNZ and VNZI should work together more closely as there are so many similarities amongst the greenhouse sector, including the growers themselves. In my 4 years of working for TomatoesNZ, it is apparent that tomato growers generally don’t just grow tomatoes and that the issues of tomato growers are common to several crops.

To that end, I’m pleased to tell you that from 1^st April, VNZI and TNZ will start working collaboratively as Covered Cropping NZ to look after the needs of capsicum, cucumber, aubergines and chilli growers, in addition to tomatoes.

What does this mean?

For growers, this means that I will become your first point of contact for these crops. In terms of governance, the TomatoesNZ board, who as growers of capsicums, cucumbers, aubergine and chillies in addition to tomatoes, already have a good insight into the challenges and opportunities for these crops, will be joined by 2 members selected by VNZI. They have already been hard at work developing a workplan for the new financial year for Covered Cropping NZ. It includes projects looking at research and development, pest and disease, energy and promotions.

What isn’t changing?

There are some aspects of TNZ and VNZI that won’t be changing. Both entities will remain as separate legal operations although TomatoesNZ will look to change its name to Covered Cropping NZ. The levy rate and who you currently pay levy to, won’t be changing. Your ability as a grower to have a voice and share your thoughts won’t change. Once the expanded board is confirmed, we will introduce them to the members so that you can approach one of them or me going forward. Also remaining unchanged is the importance that is placed on hearing from growers of all sizes and including all areas of the country. For example, if you’re a small grower in the South Island, you will still have a voice and representation on the board.

What does VNZI and TNZ hope to achieve with this move?

Ultimately, the hope is that the needs and concerns of all 5 crops are addressed in a way that avoids overlap and maximises collaboration and levy money. Covered Cropping NZ will regularly report to the VNZI board about projects that are planned, underway and completed including how VNZI levy for capsicums, cucumbers, aubergines and chillies is being spent. Covered Cropping NZ will also communicate on projects and education opportunities with the wider grower group, making sure that all TNZ and VNZI growers have access to resources that are developed and events that are planned.

Changes to the staffing of the wider vegetable sector

The formation of Covered Cropping NZ is part of a wider vegetable organisational restructure with the formation of NZVeg. From 1^st April, outdoor crops will be managed by Kazi Talaska who has been managing Onions NZ. For more information on NZVeg, please see the press release here.

As ever, if you have any questions, please email or phone me.

Kind regards,

Dinah

Dinah Cohen

General Manager TomatoesNZ

M: 021 922 414 Phone: 04 470 5666

A: Level 4, 20 Ballance St, Wellington 6011