HON JIM SUTTON
Minister of Agriculture

MEDIA RELEASE
22 December 1999

New Government support for kiwifruit referendum result

Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton has expressed delight at the 90% level of grower support in the referendum on the restructuring of the kiwifruit industry.

"This overwhelming result is a tribute to the meticulous process of consultation undertaken over recent years within the industry.

"It endorses the determination of industry leaders to resist pressure from the former National government to do away with single desk marketing, and disposes of claims of widespread opposition to the favoured scheme."

Mr Sutton said he looked forward to a period when industry leaders could concentrate on improving grower incomes, instead of being distracted by ideologically driven reformers.

ENDS

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