Process Vegetables NZ

INDUSTRY RESEARCH COMMITMENT

AND OPERATING WITH COVID-19

Words by Richard Palmer : Process Vegetables New Zealand general manager

The last Process Vegetables New Zealand (PVNZ) Board meeting provided a great insight into the issues facing our sector, and I thought it worth updating NZGrower readers on a few. The discussion was useful and has supported a substantial research commitment that will benefit growers.

The projects we are committing to include: • Continued work on soil assessment pre-plant and post-harvest to give guidance to nutrient need (for

Overseer or its successor) • Continued pea seed variability project (third year) • A project with Plant & Food Research Ltd to identify cold tolerant Rhizobia, which would benefit early season peas • Looking at slug control options, together with the

Foundation for Arable Research • Exploring new agrichemical/biological control options for beans, under A Lighter Touch. Biosecurity has continued to be a large part of our work with the renegotiation of the Fruit Fly Operational Agreement (FFOA), closing out the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus response (successful eradication) and the transition to long-term management for Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV). While the FFOA is taking considerable time, industry parties and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have shown strong commitment to progress. In the background, Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners are reviewing the GIA Deed and providing input to the long-awaited review of the Biosecurity Act. Lastly, I am pleased to report that the Pea Weevil response in the Wairarapa, a project in which I was involved with the late John Seymour, has been closed out with successful eradication of Pea Weevil. I am sure John would be very pleased with this result, which is a reflection of his work for our sector. My thanks goes to MPI and the others involved for the great execution and successful outcome. The effects of Covid-19 are far from over, with some greater risks apparent as New Zealand transitions from elimination. There are a number of Covid-related matters that we continue to advocate on, including potential market access issues; also, the ability of workplaces to require vaccination of their workers, both as a health and safety matter and to minimise market access and reputational risks.

I am pleased to report that the Pea Weevil response in the Wairarapa, a project in which I was involved with the late John Seymour, has been closed out with successful eradication of Pea Weevil

While we continue to advocate for a government approach that supports employers to require vaccination, or at least ask employees for their vaccination status, we strongly encourage all employers to have a process in place to consider both the health and safety risks and encourage and support people to get vaccinated. I know many have already made great efforts around vaccination, which is a tremendous contribution to New Zealand’s recovery.