The Government has been forced to backtrack after providing the Hawke’s Bay horticultural industry with incorrect information about its cyclone relief scheme.

Officials informed farmers and growers that the scheme would offer lending terms of 7 percent, but this claim was walked back following outcry.

National's Tukituki candidate Catherine Wedd says the uncertainty and confusion has caused growers extra stress.

"It's taken the Government five and a half months to give any direction or certainty at all for growers. And the sector provided Government ministers with reports and proposals at the end of March and they sat on this information."

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