The situation regarding COVID-19 is developing very quickly. This page will be updated with any new grower-related resources and information as it becomes available.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions as well as links to all AVOCO e-communications to date.

Can orchards and packhouses still operate?

Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand. All orchards, packhouses, cool stores and marketing entities are essential services, provided that they can put in place alternative ways of working that minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19.

This means that as a grower, you should be able to continue to operate your business. However, you will need to put in place additional measures to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and may need to register as an essential service.

We have attached two documents to assist you in understanding the requirements of an essential business during this time, and to aid with the registration process. The documents are:

  • Guidelines for essential services, including information and suggestions for measures you could be taking to protect your staff.
  • An employee-employer agreement which shows agreement on the expectations between you as an employer and your staff. Please feel free to edit this to suit your business. We suggest that staff carry both a copy of their employment agreement and this document when travelling between home and work as proof that they work for an essential service.

Has this affected your operations?

We continue to operate as normal, with some obvious changes. All staff are able to work very effectively from home and customer meetings are now all being held online.

What impact will this have on avocado exports?

Having just completed an export season, the immediate effects are small. Market Managers are in constant communication with all customers to understand the local situation and possible challenges for New Zealand exports.

What happens if a key international market closes access?

AVOCO is well-positioned with customers across all major markets, we have the ability to direct fruit away from any potential issues and get the best possible results for our growers. We are keeping a close eye on the situation in each market as this develops.

 

AVOCO COVID-19 Special News Alerts

Global produce markets update | April 9

Staying compliant during COVID-19 lockdown | March 31

NZ domestic market during COVID-19 lockdown | March 27

Supporting growers through COVID-19 period | March 25

Our business continues | March 23

 

More Information

Government advice: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/

MPI advice: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/alerts/coronavirus/

New Zealand Avocado updates: https://industry.nzavocado.co.nz/covid-19-update/