It is a tribute to the growth across the avocado industry and across horticulture that we had the honour of our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attending and opening our New Zealand Avocado International Industry Conference last week.
She spoke knowledgeably about the growth and opportunity for avocados, about the collaboration across our industry and of her Government's desire to support the regions and primary industries.
It was an inspiring start to a fantastic couple of days in Tauranga. The opening ceremony followed an annual general meeting.
We had fantastic support from stakeholders across the industry in sponsorship and exhibitor participation. We invited local iwi to join the PM and participants for the opening, and we took the procession through the large exhibition space to ensure as much visibility for those supporting companies.
The conference theme was growing avocados for the world and attracted over 400 delegates. We covered topics across performing on the global stage, technology and innovation, research and extension, and sustainability.