The New Zealand Honey Strategy 2024-2030 was released in February by Apiculture New Zealand (ApiNZ), the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) and Mānuka Charitable Trust, and it was discussed at length in the forum of the Honey Industry Summit in Hamilton four months later. Now six months on from its release, ApiNZ CEO Karin Kos and UMFHA equivalent Tony Wright share the latest on the Strategy.
By Karin Kos & Tony Wright
Since ApiNZ and UMFHA jointly hosted the National Industry Summit in Hamilton in June, the leaders from both organisations have been taking the time to get feedback from commercial beekeeping communities on the NZ Honey Strategy, launched in February, and the focus of discussion at the Summit.
It’s been an important step.
Both ApiNZ and UMFHA are committed to acting on the recommendations of the Strategy and want to make sure that the most immediate challenge – developing a stronger industry voice via a newly-formed industry organisation – reflects and represents the needs and wishes of beekeepers who remain invested in the industry’s future.
Good conversations have been had in the past couple of months with beekeepers about their own challenges in this difficult operating and business environment.
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of these conversations has been a reminder that commercial beekeeper voices at a regional level need to be properly heard and represented if a new joined-up industry body is to be effective. Having beekeeper representatives on the new Board, with a mandate from the majority of their colleagues, will be critical to the new organisation’s acceptance and success.
Value has been clearly expressed in having more opportunities for beekeepers and exporters to participate in regional meetings to exchange data, market knowledge and share respective challenges. More deliberate contact will open pathways to progress and innovation needed for the long-term success of all in the sector.
The various conversations have raised plenty of ideas for how commercial beekeeping operations can remain sustainable. But in general, the most frequently shared desire is for the conditions to re-emerge where a beekeeper can be more confident they’ll be able to sell their crop at prices that allow them to remain in business. It sounds obvious, but if it’s to be achieved, all component players in the New Zealand honey supply chain need to work better together.
That’s why the Strategy placed immediate importance on creating a stronger organisation with a voice that incorporates beekeepers, exporters and brand owners, and with a plan to become securely funded.
Within this context, UMFHA and ApiNZ aim to increase the transparency of actions and decisions being made through this time of change.
Both organisations are keen to continue receiving feedback as we work through shaping the next steps in industry development. Please contact us at any time.
Tony Wright tony@umf.org.nz / Karin Kos ceo@apinz.org.nz
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