It's time for flower growers to front-up!

For too long growers have remained silent.
We have one chance and only one chance to get this right.
NFGA needs substantial funds to implement our strategy to preserve the New Zealand Flower Industry.
Join the NZFGA today!

NZFGA Vision: To represent all growers irrespective of crop, geographical location or market focus.

Issues

The New Zealand Flower Industry is small and fragmented.
We are weak sellers and are price takers.
Our marketing systems are inefficient because of duplication of auction services in Auckland and Wellington and a proliferation of 'wholesalers'. As a result we are often competing amongst ourselves.
We have accepted 'low profit' returns as the norm.
The carbon emissions trading scheme in its current form will have a major impact on grower profitability.
The carbon emissions trading scheme will cause the loss of local production that will be substituted by 'high carbon-footprint' imports.
Imports are a growing threat and already have a major effect in the market.
Imports are limiting the prospects of increased grower returns at a time of considerable cost increases.
Imports have the potential to destroy the local industry.
Grower apathy is a real problem because we feel powerless against the 'Establishment'.

Growers need to accept that they cannot survive on their own.
Growers need to get behind and support a single voice to champion their cause.
Attack imports from the point-of-view of the bio-security risk they pose to other major horticultural industries.
Ensure that all imported cut flowers are correctly devitalized – maintaining a competitive advantage for local produce.
Lobby for a carbon tariff at the border to protect New Zealand producers from imports that do not have the same carbon costs as the equivalent local product.
Educate retailers and consumers to buy NZ grown.
Reduce or remove support from marketers who deal in imports at the expense of local producers.

A major lobbying program to central government, key Ministers, MP’s, around imports and the effects of the carbon emissions trading scheme.
Forcing MAF to ensure every stem of imported flowers is inspected and where required devitalized.
Undertaking research to identify the potential bio-security risks posed by imports.
A major publicity blitz through mainstream media.
Working with marketers to ensure that where imports are traded, it is done responsibly.
Push for a rationalization of the number of marketers operating in New Zealand.