Despite the seasonal changes, the Ministry of Primary Industries has confirmed that those in the horticulture sector are still active in Level 4. Photo / Warren Baklland
Concerns Hawke Bay Gardeners and Veterinarians may not be considered essential staff during this alarm stage.
When the country entered the Level 4 lock last year, the harvest was good
In the process and in the field of fruits and vegetables and Victoria’s development, many are looking for new social distance measures and are busy harvesting.
However, since spring has not yet sprouted and is now focused on pruning and spraying, questions are still being asked about the importance of service personnel.
These concerns were addressed by the Ministry of Primary Industries at a meeting with senior management, Minister Damien O’Connor and more than 180 primary sector leaders on Wednesday morning.
MPI has confirmed that the settings of this Alarm Level 4 are very similar to those used last year, that the first industries – both food and beverage for domestic consumption and exports, and related support services – were still needed.
Animal and animal health and safety as well as freight forwarding are also included in this category along with pest management services, key components of pulp and paper plants and liquid or solid fuels.
Services involved in investigations are also considered important for critical businesses or services such as bio safety, food safety or public health.
It was noted that butcher shops, green grocery stores and fishmongers may offer untouched delivery, but it is not open to customers.
“It’s as normal a business as possible,” said Alan Polard, CEO of New Zealand Apple and Pears.
For us, it is the same between our seasons. So some businesses are still packing and others are spraying and cutting.
“Everyone is an important part of growing crops.
One thing we really do not have is the fact that we have had a difficult time, but the industry has moved straight to work under Level 4.
MPI CEO Ray Smith met with the sector last night and said the call is fruitful and shows that the sector is well prepared to cope with the change.
Because the Delta variant is highly contagious, the sector was focused on ensuring the safety of its workers by producing and exporting kiwis.
Strong CoV-19 safety protocols will be implemented at work, including the use of masks, increasing social distance, regular temperature checks for staff and visitors, the use of travel bubbles, and avoiding gatherings during vacations, he said.
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