2. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What is the Government doing to support the global competitiveness of the pipfruit industry?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
The Government is supporting a groundbreaking new pipfruit project, spanning Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, and Otago—three key marginal seats, I might note—aimed at growing export fruit that has no detectable pesticide residues. This is an initiative that supports sustainability and economic transformation. Consumers around the world are demanding that fruit has no chemical residues, and New Zealand can take advantage of this by being a world leader in exporting sustainable produce.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
What investment is the Government making in this initiative, and what returns are expected?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
The Government will contribute $2 million towards this joint initiative with the pipfruit industry. The project is expected to halt the decline in the industry’s exports and lead to a $152 million increase to the value of exports after 5 years.
Chris TremainIs this morning’s announcement really just false platitudes, when the real issues facing apple growers are high interest rates, a high exchange rate, and lack of market access to Australia?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I am not sure whether the current representative of the Hawke’s Bay is saying that we should not put the support in and move the pipfruit industry into the modern world. But if the member had been properly representing his constituents, on top of the issues, he would have heard a very good speech from my colleague the Minister of Trade, who addressed those very issues there this morning.