New Zealand's dairy industry needs to build on its first-mover advantage in China and elsewhere by adding more value, says a leading economist.

Fonterra yesterday unveiled the next step in its strategy to build a high-quality, sustainable fresh local milk supply in China, announcing plans to invest $100 million to develop two new large-scale dairy farms in Hebei province.

Fonterra needs to sit closer to its customers and listen to their needs, because products are being invented that don't necessarily align with what customers want.

WE OFTEN think New Zealand is doing it tough down here in our far-flung corner of the world. 

Associate Minister for Primary Industry Nathan Guy says the outlook for wood remains challenging, with depressed market conditions prevailing overseas.

Chinese pollen is the likely source of the Psa-V disease in New Zealand's kiwifruit, say a team of Otago biochemists working with the industry to unravel the disease.

A developing oversupply of logs in China and continuing currency pressure has resulted in a small fall in New Zealand forestry export earnings for the latest quarter.

Fonterra Cooperative Limited yesterday outlined details of its Group Strategy Refresh which aims to grow volumes and value by focusing more tightly on emerging markets and products that meet growing consumer demand for dairy nutrition.

Global dairy markets last week broke out of a seven-month stable stretch in a move labelled “material and meaningful” by one leading analyst.

OBVIOUSLY I will stay clear of the specific issue of the Crafar Farms, since once again this is before the Government and the courts.