Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said he has his fingers crossed the industry’s late week submissions to the Government to re-open even a portion of outlets will be well received.
Earlier in the week the Government reiterated supermarkets and dairies will remain the sole food trading outlets.
Chapman said estimates are the independent trade accounts for about 20% of produce sales and re-opening distribution channels would be an invaluable alternative to supermarkets.
“This is particularly in areas where there may be no supermarket and where people have been relying on a community fruit and vegetable outlet. They play a valuable role in many communities, areas like South Auckland for example.”
The possibility of opening some stores is being mooted, based on location and proximity to a supermarket.
“I think it’s possible to do some really sensible things in terms of distancing customers, just as the dairies have done. It will also help reduce pressure on the supermarkets.”
He appreciates the aim of keeping human contact to a minimum by having the outlets closed and hopes if infection numbers fall the chance to re-open will be reinforced.
United Fresh NZ chief executive Paula Dudley said members are working to get produce sent through wholesalers to be distributed to charities, food banks and city missions rather than see it go to waste.
She didn’t know of any crops being ploughed into the ground but knew growers were under pressure to look at winter rotation plantings and had to make decisions on unconsumed crops still in the ground.
“It would be great if they just came out and said fruit and vegetable shops can open,” she said.
