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 says it is disappointed at the “inaccurate” claims being made by the anonymous Concerned Growers Collective.
Read: Ghost group opposes Zespri vote.
Zespri chief grower and alliance officer David Courtney says contrary to the group’s claims, the Government has never refused to authorise Zespri carrying out 12-month supply activities or ownership of plant variety rights (PVRs), he says.
Over the past 20 years these activities have added huge value to our industry, says Courtney.
“This is reflected in the considerable increase in average returns, orchard values and Zespri’s profitability and returns to growers over successive seasons,” he says.
“We believe securing grower support for these activities through the producer vote will enable us to continue to invest with confidence in our 12-month supply strategy and plant variety rights, and deliver positive orchard gate returns for New Zealand growers.
“To walk away from these activities is to walk away from our shelf space and our consumers.
“Voting against our 12-month supply activities and PVR ownership would mean the industry would be turning its back on the same 20-year strategy that has served it so well and ultimately have a negative impact on New Zealand grower returns.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.