Plant and seed imports are vital to New Zealand, as a source of new varieties of food and ornamental plants, and for clean virus-free propagation material.
We have been advocating for change in the plant imports system and we are pleased with the increased focus and investment in this important area.
The allocation of $38.5 million in the 2020 budget for development of the plant imports system has been welcomed by our sector.
We believe that well managed quarantine processes in NZ and offshore provide a safe and trustworthy pathway for imported plant material.
Investment in the processes and infrastructure that supports this will benefit all New Zealanders.