Summer Editorial 2019

As we all know, there is never a dull moment in primary production. The landscape is forever changing and certainly at a more rapid pace than before. It seems nowadays you no sooner put one issue to bed when another raises its head to be dealt with.

In the past week (writing this in October) Al Brown has come out on his Facebook page pledging his support for New Zealand farmers, there is a new platform on facebook called “Ag Proud NZ” that seems to be gaining momentum, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth has written an excellent article on the government’s new freshwater plan and the absence of economists around the table, and Fonterra are advertising on the TV their “Open Gates” opportunities to visit on farm.

In amongst all these news stories and social media posts there is no mention of horticulture. Some would argue that is a good thing. While “plant-based” and “mainly plants” is trending on Instagram it pays not to grow complacent that our industry will not also come under the spotlight at some point.

I still feel there is a real lack of engagement with our industry from the general public and that no one in our space is really telling the story well. Sure most of us all tick the box with Facebook and Instagram accounts and populate these with posts directed to promote whatever it is each of us is touting, but the real story behind why we all do what we do is missing I believe. Given I am currently enjoying a period of parental leave I guess it could be said that maybe I should put my money where my mouth is and begin something myself in this vein! Most days it’s enough of a challenge just keeping three small people alive.

From our SPS family to yours, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and we look forward to working with you again in the year ahead.