New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers (NZKGI) has made the promotion and communication of the most effective solutions for Psa a priority.
'This includes protectant sprays, on-orchard practices and, if possible, a systemic cure with the longer-term goal of resistant cultivars,' advised president Peter Ombler at the grower organisation's 2011 AGM in Mount Maunganui.
NZKGI's Psa plan for the year ahead involves developing panels of financial advocates and counsellors for growers, supporting Kiwifruit Vine Health and its regional groups, and working with Western Bay Council on a rates relief policy for affected growers.
Other priorities include the maintenance of the industry's current structure and its spray programmes, the improvement of supply-chain efficiency and an application for a commodity levy to fund and mandate NZKGI's activities.
NZKGI was formed in 1993 – amid an industry downturn – to represent the interests of New Zealand's 3,500 kiwifruit growers.
It has 25 regional and district representatives and 13 industry group representatives.
