New Zealand to approve biological agent to combat psyllid

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is an industry association representing New Zealand's 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

HortNZ monitors changes in Government policy on behalf of its members, promotes the development of the horticulture industry, makes submissions to central and regional government, gives policy advice and aims to influence change for the benefit of growers.

HortNZ publishes industry magazines "The Orchardist" and "NZGrower" and runs New Zealand GAP, a product certification programme benchmarked to GLOBALGAP. About 80% of the produce grown in New Zealand is covered by a third party assurance certification programme.

The range of issues HortNZ works on for growers includes resource management legislation, biosecurity protection, seasonal and skilled labour recruitment, environmental policies and industry education and training. It also provides information and support to Government agencies to gain better market access for horticulture product and remove barriers to export development.