Elders release

Press, 6 October 1987, Page 47

Elders release

PA Hamilton The kiwifruit exporter, 'Elders Horticulture, has released its grower proposal for the 1988 season and says it is the first company to do so. The earlier-than-usual release was because the company was mindful of the “current plight” of the kiwifruit industry, Elders’ general manager, John Brew, said. The causes were an over-valued dollar and high domestic interest rates, he said. Elders had about 12 per cent of the export market in 1986. The company’s offer includes a $1.50 a tray advance available from October 1 and 5c a tray Incentive for growers who commit all their crop to Elders before December 1.

Interest charges on trays contracted to be supplied but not supplied will be 22 per cent from the date of the advance to the date the trays should have been supplied. The company is offering interest on any undrawn advances in the pool account for which trays have been supplied . at the rate of 7 per cent from October 1 to the date of the final packhouse advice note. Waikato grower Malcolm Campbell said the proposal should allay some grower fears, especially about advance payments. It appeared similar to last year's proposal, he said. There had been talk that advances would not be paid but “if Elders said.