O’Neil has been a grower since 1984, owning kiwifruit and avocado orchards at Whakamarama and since 2003 has been growing kiwifruit at Katikati.
He has also held a number of government roles including trade counsellor to the European Union and chief veterinary officer for the Ministry of Agriculture. He was chief executive of Kiwifruit Vine Health for six years, driving the industry recovery from Psa, and has held board positions including being deputy chairman of Scion, chairman of Tomatoes NZ and chairman of the kauri dieback review panel.
O’Neil has been an independent director on the Hort NZ board since April 2015 but with his appointment as chairman he will stand for a grower-elected seat next year.
He is optimistic about the future of the sector.
“These are exciting times for NZ horticulture.
“Local and international consumers are increasingly interested in the origin of their food and looking for responsible and sustainable farming practices.
“We’re able to provide that.”
He is encouraged to see the Government taking action for the betterment of the environment.
“The Government sees the potential in horticulture growth and has been responsive to protecting the best growing soils and working with industry on environmental concerns.
“Sustainability is the way forward.
“The more people know about the health benefits of fruit and vegetables the more they will consume. It is a trend we’re seeing grow.
“I am excited about working with growers to find a better future – for both us and our grandchildren.”
But while horticulture is having its day in the sun it is not short of challenges.
“A key concern for growers is a shortage in labour, access to land and water and retaining our licence to grow.
“These are a key focus of mine.”
They are challenges O’Neil is well-quipped to manage, outgoing president Julian Raine said.
“O’Neil has an impressive background and is well placed to lead the extraordinary growth in horticulture.
“This has been a fantastic, interesting, challenging and rewarding leadership role for me and I know it will be the same for Barry. I want to thank the industry and all our stakeholders for the support they have shown me.”
O’Neil acknowledged Raine’s longstanding contribution.
“Julian’s mark has been significant.
“He’s been highly engaged and led the industry through some of its toughest challenges. He can be really proud of his efforts.”
Meanwhile, grower representative on the HortNZ board Bernadine Guilleux was elected vice-president.
She has a strong marketing background in New Zealand and Europe and will use those skills to help tell NZ’s unique horticulture story.
She is a member of the Balle family and grew up in the vegetable growing area of Pukekohe.
Both positions are effective from January 1.
Contribution
Horticulture is New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry and contributes $5.68 billion to the economy.
Statistics show horticulture’s growth retains momentum with a 7% rise in export earnings since 2016, with tariffs on exported produce down by 12% since 2012.
