Growers Seek Standard

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 3

Growers Seek Standard

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 8. Compulsory minimum grading standards for certain vegetables will be sought by the Vegetable and Produce Growers’ Federation.

This would be a step towards compulsory grading standards for all vegetables, says a Wairarapa remit passed by the federation today.

Mr M. G. Browne, Katikati. safd a national system of grading would allow distant buyers to specify the grade and make their purchases without having to inspect the produce at auction.

Bulk Buying Supermarket and chain-storej bulk buying of vegetables! direct from the grower was a threat to the auction system ! said Mr A. K. 1. Purdie. chair-! man of the market division ! committee of the federation “The big supermarket chains have bargaining power which can be matched by very few producers,” he said. “Before entering to any direct bulk supply contracts the grower should ask himself whether he wants the existing auction system undermined. or whether by refraining from direct selling he can channel this new buying power on to the auction floors and thus stimulate greater competition.” A national change-over to a short ton of 20001 b instead of the current long ton of

22401 b would be recommended to the October annual conference of the Fruit and Produce Merchants’ and Auctioneers’ Federation, said a vice-presi-dent, Mr A. Haines. Potato Levy The Potato Board levy of 25s a ton was a deterrent to the expansion of processing of potatoes for internal and export use, said a remit passed by the conference. Delegates spoke of the growing use of potatoes in soups, fish cakes and baby foods.

A similar remit was passed at last year’s conference and representations were later made to the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys).

National Airways Corporation will be asked to improve air freighting and depot handling of perishable produce. Mr R. J. Ballinger (Marlborough) said a survey showed there was cause to complain about 25 per cent of air consignments. Consignments at express rates took up to 30 hours to get from Blenheim to Hamilton. It took from one and a half to four hours to get produce shipments from Rongotai Airport to the Wellington markets. These delays affected the quality and limited the sales opportunities of perishable flowers, fruits and vegetables. Mr Ballinger said.