Voting papers for the Horticulture New Zealand levy referendum have been posted to all 6,000 commercial fruit and vegetable growers.
The referendum is seeking approval for a grower levy of 15 cents for every $100 (8p for £50.66) of sales on all fruit and vegetables - the same as the maximum levy rate in the current order.
This rate is forecast to raise about $2.5 million a year for HortNZ’s work on industry-wide issues, such as biosecurity policy, land and water use issues and seasonal labour needs.
HortNZ acts as an umbrella organisation for the 22 affiliated product groups its represents and this year fresh vegetable, potato, processed vegetables and fresh tomato growers paying an integrated HortNZ and Product Group levy will receive at least two voting papers, one for the HortNZ levy and one for each additional product group levy.
Growers must vote for both to continue to receive the same level of services.
