Ray Sharp, Eastpack

Zespri board member Ray Sharp has resigned over a potential conflict of interest.

Thegrower, who is chairman of kiwifruit packing company EastPack, volunteered his resignation after notifying the Zespri board of directors of a “potential conflict of interest related to his orchard activities,” the group's chairman John Loughlin said in a statement.

“Iknow Ray remains a staunch supporter of the industry, retains the respect of fellow growers and will continue to add value to an industry he has such passion for.”

Sharp’s director position on the board will remain vacant until the Zespri annual general meeting on 18 July.

Residue testing

In the meantime, Zesprihas stepped up its residue-testing programme in light of the devastating Psa disease that struck NZ kiwifruit orchards ahead of the season last year.

The use of all products on its growers’ orchardsare regulated by the Zespri crop protection programme (CPP), which as well as listing approved products for use on-orchard also requires growers to update and share their spray dairies with Zespri.

This programme has always had a strong level of compliance by growers,’ Zespri chief executive Lain Jager said.

“Everyyear there is a small risk that some growers may not have followed our rules surrounding the use of products on their orchard. In this regard, 2012 is no different.

To reinforce the compliance with the CPP, we have a long-standing and comprehensive residue-testing programme and arange of penalties for growers where the programme is not adhered to.

Thisresidue-testing programme has begun for 2012, and has been significantly enhanced recognising Psa may have put some growers under additional pressure to protect their orchards.

He added that Zespri is confident that the enhanced residue-testing programme will find where products have been used without approval.