Kiwiberries export fears

Kiwiberry growers have asked HortResearch not to promote the growing of kiwiberries to growers in other Southern Hemisphere countries.

They fear damage to New Zealand's small but expanding exports. But HortResearch's commercialisation process is five years on and chief executive Paul McGilvary said growers declined preferential rights. Secretary of the New Zealand Kiwiberry Association Geoff Oliver, of Kiwi Produce, said it was unpatriotic for HortResearch to promote their kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) varieties in other countries. And other growers said the seven-figure fee priced them out of the market.

"I do not agree with HortResearch promoting their varieties in Australia and Chile. Both harvest at the same time as we do and compete with New Zealand growers. In some cases our growers have funded HortResearch's early development of the kiwiberry," Mr Oliver said. The association was considering taking the matter further.

HortResearch has developed four new varieties and has called businesses worldwide about growing kiwiberries under licence.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES