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Summary of Key Points from the ONZ Executive Meeting held at Horticulture NZ on 9 December 2005.
Present:
Mike Armour (Chair and Research), Ian Manson (Funding), Ed Scott (Regional Exec and Technical and Awards Committees),Anne Opie (Communications), Ken Mark (Processing), Tony Casey (Marketing), Alastair Bridge (Executive Officer), David Pearson (Secretary/Treasurer), and Rob Dean (Website) (from 10.15am)
Apologies: Margaret Edwards
Matters Arising
The following two points were raised.
Voting rights. Following discussion, it was confirmed that, under the Constitution co-opted members do not have a vote. It was debatable as to whether the executive officer has voting rights and Horticulture NZ will be consulted in relation to their practice on this issue.
Adhering to the terms of adopted resolutions. The expenditure of the monies for the olive mark advertisements did not fully comply with the terms of the resolution the Exec passed in November. It should be noted, though, that the full amount of the money voted for this work was not exceeded. It was agreed that in future that resolutions need to be robust and draft resolutions should be circulated in writing to ensure that everyone is fully aware of their terms.
Financial
The 00 account balance was approximately $115,000; the IOP account was $19,000, and the conference a/c was $11, 600.
There are approximately 400 paid-up members.
Major expenses to be met:
- partial costs of Margaret Edward’s trip to Italy in relation to further sensory training ($3500.00)
- the newspaper ads ($17, 846.53 (ex GST)
- the capitation monies going to each region.
In relation to the budget and the strategic plan, members noted that:
- there is no budget to pay the sensory panel members, beyond assistance with travel
- money needs to be put aside to pay for the development of the website.
Given the currently limited funding available to ONZ, there was a question about whether regional groups should be self-funding, with capitation funding being freed up for allocation to national initiatives, including further research.
The Approved Supplier Programme and Seasonal Labour
Peter Ensor, the business manager at Horticulture NZ outlined the benefits of the Approved Supplier Programme (ASP). Web links providing additional information about this are www.approvedsupplier.com OR www.approvedsupplier.co.nz OR www.vegfed.co.nz>) ). ONZ set a target of achieving 100 ASP growers in the next year, an objective that will only be achieved with input and enthusiasm from the regional groups (hence the importance of those who have volunteered to act as ONZ ASP co-ordinators).
The Executive discussed the relationship of this programme to the certification processes for organic growers.
Peter Mackay, Horticulture NZ’s national seasonal labour co-ordinator outlined the details of 2 seasonal labour schemes worked out with a range of government departments in order to improve the supply of seasonal labour in 6 regions. Information on these schemes is available at www.picknz.co.nz
The Strategic Plan and related papers (web link)
The plan was discussed at length. Copies of the plan and all supporting papers are on the web.
Research
The Chair reported that the application to the Sustainable Farming Fund for further development and extension work on the IOP/Best Practice Manual has to some extent overlapped with Hort Research’s application to the FoRST. As a consequence, the IOP/BPM application will be revised.
Funding is being sought from major growers to fund Friday’s on-going research into peacock spot; specifically in respect of residues in fruit from sprays.
Marketing
The key element is the on-going generic promotion of the olive mark. There was some discussion of:
- how to bring the big growers into the scheme
- a mode of signage focusing on the olive mark that could be attached to supermarket shelves
- the importance of distributing as soon as possible a media pack incorporating Graeme Harris’ work to all regions for them to use as desired.
At various points in this and the next discussion, the question of the cost of the olive mark scheme for small growers marketing more than one blend or varietal was raised.
Funding
The options for increasing funding to carry out the range for initiatives foreshadowed in the strategic plan in the short-term are limited and the feeling was that it is too early for the industry to consider a levy system.
It was proposed that consideration be given to developing an “approved supplier” system, whereby key industry players (eg banks, bottle, label, insurance and fertilizer companies) would provide financial support for a set number of years to the industry, with ONZ steering members towards those suppliers. An initial contact will be made with one such company in the immediate future to gauge their response to the suggestion. In addition, it was decided to explore how AOA is funded, and a letter will be sent to corporates who expressed a willingness to consider providing some financial support to ONZ.
Processing
Discussion focused on:
- the need for education, training and standard setting in relation to pressing as the tasting panel’s work has indicated that there are industry problems to be ironed out here, and ONZ is supporting Margaret Edwards developing a processing course for all ONZ processors in the near future
- the importance for the industry to have a database of processors and totals for fruit pressed each year.
Technical
This report focused on the need for processing training and education in handling oils was tabled and endorsed.
Communication
The paper set out, and the Exec. adopted, policy positions that reflect the tone and spirit of the remits passed at the 2005 conference.
There was discussion on the importance of having a PR person to assist with media contacts. There is a person who may be interested in this role and the matter will be discussed with him.
Website
Funding is available to help develop and maintain the site.
General Business
- Some of the funding from the IOP surplus will be used to support the linolenic acid survey.
- Waikato growers are proposing to set a regional group.
- Regional groups need to devise ways to expand their membership.
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