The New Zealand horticulture industry has said new government funding for fresh water projects is a critical building block to help the sector reach its goal of becoming a $10 billion industry by 2020.
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Peter Silcock said the NZ government’s announcement of several initiatives, including a National Fresh Water Policy Statement, is good news for horticulture’s long-term productivity.
“We have been an active participant in the Land and Water Forum processes and it is good to see the government initial response to that.
“The national policy statement is a great first step to seeing more consistency about how water quality and allocation are governed. The current inconsistency and duplication in this area is costing the whole country, including our members,” said Silcock.
The irrigation acceleration fund, the fresh water clean-up fund and the potential government investment in water infrastructure fund are all exciting opportunities for the horticulture industry.
“A critical issue for the future is that New Zealand needs to move from a mentality of scarcity around water, to one of taking the opportunity to better manage water to protect its quality and also enhance the economic, environmental and recreational opportunities it offers.”
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