Roadmap set to double hort exports by 2035
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
More than 300 delegates from throughout the country have been attending Horticulture New Zealand's annual conference being held in Rotorua.
The delegates come from all facets of the industry including growers, packers, exporters and others who provide services to the sector.
The keynote speaker at the conference was well known Australian science writer and agricultural communicator Jullian Cribb who gave delegates an insight as to how horticulture may develop in 20 to 30 years time.
There was also a focus on good agricultural practice (GAP) which included local and international speakers discussing market trends. During the conference each of the various horticultural product groups have holding their annual general meetings.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Bledisloe Cup for exceptional service to the horticulture industry to Hastings AgFirst horticulture consultant John Wilton.
Ian Greaves was awarded the presidents cup for his services to PSA grower support and Tony Ivecivich and Brian Garguilo were awarded life memberships of HortNZ.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.

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