HortNZ is welcome two new faces and one familiar face to its Board .
Doug Brown and Alistair Petrie are the newfangled grimace , while Hugh Ritchie is the familiar one .
Doug has been combat-ready in agri - line of work leaders for more than 35 years . Together with his brothers , Doug runs a mixed dairy farm and kiwifruit operation – a ruck of 3000 and a kiwifruit product footprint in excess of 100 hectare across Te Puke , Opotiki , and Gisborne , let in a joint venture with local Māori in Te Kaha .
" cultivator across the horticulture diligence have face up significant challenges in late time , " says Doug . " The function of HortNZ has never been more vital in continue to advocate for grower interest group while build a sustainable environs for the diligence to operate in and thrive . "
Alistair held older place in the Turners and Growers grouping of companies and Freshmax before embarking on a governing and advisory career . His other directorships include Turners Automotive Group , Darling Group Holdings , and Bartel Holdings , while he is presently playing advisory roles for Pāmu and Foodchain .
" I have a strong sentence that raiser / diligence bodies need to be relevant to their stakeholders and need to germinate ahead of the curve to ensure they summate time value , " suppose Alistair . " The rapid integration , innovation , and weighing machine of many grower mean the focus of industry body is unlike to the structure of 20 years ago . I believe I can help in this evolution . "
Hugh is the Managing Director of Drumpeel Farms , a menage - run farm in Hawke ’s Bay encompassing more than 2,050 hectare of mixed cropping and livestock . More than 700 ha is planted in crops , include cereal grass , seeds , and process vegetables , with the residuum of the property being used for Charles Lamb and boeuf finish .
“ I am implicated that our ability to tempt the meaning insurance reform we are faced with is reducing , ’ say Hugh . ‘ This is not due to endeavour or strength of contention but the changing way government employment .
" I consider we need to take care closely at how we work as an industry . We need to reckon at how we can pursue with other industriousness – not just in the primary sphere – to create a brassy spokesperson to effect change and reduce duplicate , ensuring levy funds are spent in the most cost - effective way . "
HortNZ Board President Barry O’Neil pronounce the industry is under immense pressure due to adverse conditions events , rise production costs , and slight margins .
" I ’m please that the HortNZ Board has been able to attract and retain such experient and passionate the great unwashed , " says Barry . " The motivation for solid and decisive governance has never been high-pitched , as the horticulture industry navigate its way through the challenges and opportunity that the next decade is presenting , as we conform to changing conditions condition , growing methods and consumer preferences . "
For more information : HortNZwww.hortnz.co.nz
