The horticulture sector remains on track to double its farm gate value by 2035, with export revenue forecast to reach $9.7 billion, says Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott.
More than 900 growers and industry leaders attended the 2026 New Zealand Horticultural Conference, where Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced RSE changes giving employers with a strong track record a graduated accreditation system.
“The reforms are practical, balanced, and really timely,” Scott says.
“There was a real quiet optimism, and people seemed genuinely excited to be there.”
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