The proposal has come from marketeer and exporter Zespri International and was taken around to more than 500 growers at a recent series of roadshows.

The aim of the council is to ensure a better mechanism for decision-making and an improvement in the relationship between the marketeer and its growers.

During discussions between Zespri, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) and suppliers over recent months, the proposal for the IAC has taken shape. It will provide a framework to resolve industry issues relating to the payment for and treatment of fruit, logistics and quality issues, supply contracts and matters with material financial implications for the industry. The council will make recommendations to the Zespri board of directors.

The annoucement was made in the latest issue of the Kiwiflier newsletter by Zespri. The IAC will have 15 members, five from Zespri, five supplier representatives and five NZKGI elected members representing grower interests. 'Growers have reflected the support suppliers and NZKGI have given to Zespri on this issue,' said Zespri ceo Tim Goodacre. 'I hope this provides us with a strong platform for industry decision-making in the future.'

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