Zespri board member Ray Sharp has resigned over a potential conflict of interest.
The grower, who is chairman of kiwifruit packing company EastPack, volunteered his resignation after notifying the Zespri board of directors of a “potential conflict of interest related to his orchard activities,” Zespri chairman John Loughlin said in a statement.
“I know Ray remains a staunch supporter of the industry, retains the respect of fellow growers and will continue to add value to an industry he has such passion for.”
Sharp’s director position on the board will remain vacant until the Zespri agm on 18 July.
Zespri has stepped up its residue-testing programme in light of the devastating Psa disease that struck NZ kiwifruit orchards ahead of the season last year.
The use of all products on its growers’ orchards are regulated by the Zespri crop protection programme (CPP), which as well as listing approved products for use on-orchard also requires growers to update and share their spray dairies with Zespri.
This programme has always had a strong level of compliance by growers,’ Zespri chief executive Lain Jager said.
“Every year there is a small risk that some growers may not have followed our rules surrounding the use of products on their orchard. In this regard, 2012 is no different.
To reinforce the compliance with the CPP, we have a long-standing and comprehensive residue-testing programme and a range of penalties for growers where the programme is not adhered to.
This residue-testing programme has begun for 2012, and has been significantly enhanced recognising Psa may have put some growers under additional pressure to protect their orchards.”
He added that Zespri is confident that the enhanced residue-testing programme will find where products have been used without approval.
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