Zespri welcomes high turnout and support for positive change

Zespri welcomes high turnout and support for positive change in grower referendum

Kiwifruit growers have made a strong statement about the direction they want for their industry in the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project (KSIP) referendum. There is a clear mandate for change with interim results from the referendum showing two-thirds of growers, representing 80 percent of production, voting so far, says Zespri chairman Peter McBride.

“Over 90 percent of growers have clearly stated their desire for change in three areas which affect Zespri – ownership of Zespri shares by growers who have left the industry, the mechanism by which the Zespri margin is calculated and changes to Zespri’s board to formalise the three independent members.

“The change to share ownership in particular is a large piece of work and relies on government support to realise the industry’s desire for change,” says Mr McBride.

“It is also heartening to see growers value their industry structure, with 98 percent of respondents confirming their support for the Single Point of Entry.

“I would like to personally thank all those growers who took the time to engage in this process over the past 18 months. Growers have attended over 100 meetings, made more than 650 submissions and have taken part in three rounds of consultation to determine the future direction they want for their industry,” says Mr McBride.

A full set of interim results, including voting by grower and production on each referendum question, can be found atwww.kisp.co.nz. Postal votes are still being counted and the final results are expected around the beginning of next week.

ENDS

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