December 21, 2023
Onions New Zealand signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture in Indonesia on 7 June 2023. This agreement signalled a strengthened relationship between the New Zealand onion sector and the Indonesian government. Indonesia has long been an important trading partner for the New Zealand onion industry, as our largest export destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cooperation agreements such as these can take years to confirm. The key aspects of this agreement will support trade relationships between our countries, and give back to Indonesian farmers and growers. Onions NZ actively seeks long-term strategic partnerships that benefit all parties, and are built on trust.
“Relationships are very important for our sector and New Zealand as a small trading nation. Conversations, connections, and dialogue equip us to discuss and face issues collectively.”
Kazi Talaska, Market Access and Development Manager, Onions New Zealand. Source: NZ Grower, August 2023.
Now that the agreement is in place, ongoing efforts are needed to cement the agreement, look for new opportunities, and facilitate shared knowledge and research.
Kazi leads the workstream for the cooperation agreement on behalf of Onions NZ. She travelled to Indonesia in November 2023 to progress conversations around the cooperation agreement and understand further opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
One of the first projects to get underway is for Onions NZ to support Indonesian shallot growers, a strategic commodity that is widely grown, consumed, and has a high economic value for Indonesia. A grower survey is underway to identify requirements and knowledge gaps, the set up of a demonstration plot for local growers to visit and learn practical skills. Webinars will also be hosted to provide opportunity and extension nationwide for Indonesian shallot growers.
During Kazi’s November visit, there were discussions of pest and disease control, disease identification technologies. Discussing onion standards is on the list in the future.
It is encouraging that there are many points of alignment between New Zealand and Indonesia. Both countries have much to gain from ongoing dialogue and knowledge sharing of pest and disease control.
We look forward to our next visit to Indonesia and making even more impact for local growers.
Download File.jpg)
