Kiwifruit growers have voted in favour of a more independent representation.

The majority of growers voted in support of a referendum for funding the organisation via a commodity levy.

Kiwifruit growers have voted in favour of more independent representation.

The results came in this week, with more than 87 per cent of those who voted saying ‘yes' to the proposed levy with those votes accounting for more than 85 per cent of the production of those who voted.

The proposed levy will cost growers one cent or less per tray exported, other than to Australia. It makes the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated's funding completely independent and authorised directly by growers.

NZKGI president Peter Ombler says this is a strong endorsement by growers for NZKGI and growers have given NZKGI a new mandate for its funding and activities.

'Commodity levy funding will strengthen NZKGI by making its funding independent and directly accountable to growers. A strong grower organisation will be part of seeing our grower community through the current challenges of Psa and unfavourable exchange rates.

'NZKGI is the only kiwifruit grower body with members actually elected by all kiwifruit growers. We were already mandated by the democratic process to speak on behalf of growers, but the overwhelming support for our funding and activities further strengthens this mandate.

'One of the hallmarks of this industry is grower unity, which is reflected in our choice of a united marketing strategy off-shore.

'The support referendum result flies in the face of self-appointed ‘spokespeople' and other self-interested parties who have recently tried to give the impression of widespread division amongst growers. Growers have shown they stand behind the legitimate representative body and its activities.”