Dealing with a tough season
With a cold front freezing Central Otago, the season only gets tougher for many. Whilst Hawke's Bay has had ongoing settled weather with good growing conditions and fruit quality, the southern weather will affect our ongoing supply of fresh, high quality fruit to New Zealand and export consumers.
The substantial effect for many growers will inevitably see some challenges beyond the end of the harvest. I encourage growers to reach out to one another, and support services, to share the burden and give some space to discuss options of support.
Support is available through the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 who can then arrange a time for the local coordinator, Pat Macaulay, to arrange to make contact. Other mechanisms for support that may be useful or of interest are:
Farm Business Advice Support Fund – funded by banks and government, the Rural Support Trust and NZ Bankers’ Association administer this fund to support farmers struggling with farm debt and to manage through recovery. For a qualifying farmer, the fund will provide up to $6,000 to pay for financial or business advice from an independent consultant. Rural Support Trust will provide up to $3000, depending on an assessment of need, and the relevant bank will match that dollar for dollar. Rural Support Trust will take an application from, or on behalf of, a farmer who might qualify for assistance. The consultant will provide a report, which will be given to the farmer and their bank. This initiative involves ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Heartland Bank, Rabobank, SBS Bank, TSB, and Westpac. Please keep in touch with the Rural Support Trust about the report and invoices for payment.
Farm Debt Mediation Scheme and Hardship Fund – helps farmers and other primary producers struggling with debt and in negotiations with banks, with a hardship fund to help growers with the mediation costs and preparations. The scheme uses neutral and independent mediators to help farmers and their creditors work through debt issues. This will help farmers and creditors agree on how to proceed. More info here.
As always, my team and I are available to discuss any concerns you may have, and in particular help you to chart a path to, and through, relevant agencies. Please do get in touch should you require assistance.
Grower get together in Alexandra
We are planning on an afternoon grower BBQ in Alexandra around 4 February, as a chance for growers to come together and share their experiences of the season. To ascertain interest please do drop me, or Tracey Mansfield, a text or WhatsApp message if you think you would attend. Further details will be available in due course.
Summerfruit NZ Conference
Whilst it may seem early, the Summerfruit NZ team, ably led by Victoria, are underway with planning for our conference, to be held in Napier on 9-10 June. If you have any suggestions or ideas about speakers, topics or ideas for conference, please let Victoria know by email to victoria.harris@summerfruitnz.co.nz