KiwiBrothersTM make their China debut
Zespri has unveiled the award-winning KiwiBrothersTM mascots in China for the first time to market its large kiwifruit crop.
Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says this is an exciting time for the kiwifruit industry.
Zespri is working with the industry to facilitate good quality growth.
With 14,000ha of kiwifruit, the industry – right across the supply chain – must collaborate more than ever if it is to match supply to demand.
“We are licensing our Sungold out at 700ha a year, in Bay of Plenty and the regions,” Mathieson says.
“We are seeing great growth for Sungold up north in Whangarei and Kerikeri and further down the East Coast – as well in Gisborne, Napier and even in Nelson.
“Sungold grows better than Zespri green in more locations, which means we are getting a wider regional spread.”
However, the big challenge facing the kiwifruit industry is finding enough quality labour. A survey by the University of Waikato forecast that, based on the growth of the industry, 29,000 more people would be required.
Mathieson says encouraging people to make a career in the industry is a challenge and the industry is looking for support from the Government and others to get the staff needed.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
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