Strawberry Growers New Zealand executive manager Michael Ahern said some growers were struggling and although many would push through, hard decisions needed to be made. He said it was possible some would leave the industry, especially near cities, as land prices soared. “It is case by case, some growers desperately need Pacific Island workers as they can’t maintain the size of their operations. Others may not go out, but might cut back. Everyone will have to cut their costs,” he said. But one grower said the 2000 workers would “barely scratch the surface”. Others said that announcement came too late for the summer fruit industry, such as cherries, nectarines and strawberries.
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