In an open letter, the companies’ chief executives said they will harness their collective supply chain to maintain productivity.
“It is time for us all to do what we can to try and continue to support you through these challenging times,” the letter says.
“We are working closely together to ensure that all farmers and growers across New Zealand have the necessary products and supplies to keep your businesses operating.
“As we move through Alert Level 3 and into Alert Level 4, we will need to change the way we operate. We are preparing to do this and will take the necessary steps to ensure we can all get through this together as safely as we can.
“To ensure there’s enough for everyone, it’s important to not panic and overstock. We are confident that we have ample product across our businesses to meet your essential needs and there is no need to buy more than your regular requirements.”
Farmlands chief executive Peter Reidie says covid-19 is bigger than business.
“It’s about the wellbeing of our entire country.
“We have seen an increase in purchases this week and just like the supermarkets, our message is that we will be open, we will have supplies and we will ensure that people get what they need to keep their businesses running.”
All Farmlands stores nationwide will continue trading over the counter until the close of business on Wednesday. Once NZ shifts to Level 4 at 11.59pm on Wednesday, customers will need to email or call their local store to organise supplies.
Reidie says staff are aware of the behaviour needed to protect each other, their families and Farmlands’ 70,000 shareholders nationwide.
“Each of our people recognise the importance of their role, both as a service to shareholders and as a team trying to play their part in combatting the spread of covid-19,” he says.
“We have implemented strict protocols that eliminate physical interactions while still providing the primary sector with the goods and services they need to continue feeding our country and contributing to the world’s food needs.”
PGG Wrightson will remain open but with a different operating model during the enforced close down. It is working through the details and will provide updates on its website and facebook page.
All FarmSource customers can place orders online.
Account holders can order over the phone, either by calling their local store or through its service centre.
FarmSource on-farm deliveries will continue where possible (charges may apply) and there will be a new collection service available outside the stores.
It is stopping all on-farm visits by its technical teams – but assistance will still be available by local teams over the phone.
It is not expecting any stock problems.
