Fruit fly discovery puts growers, exporters on edge
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Horticulture NZ's kicks off in Nelson today with the industry in a buoyant mood.
The theme of the conference is 'Innovate from seed to plate' and will look at issues all the sectors have in common from research and development in robotics and technology to food safety and delivery of high end product to the consumer.
HortNZ chairman Julian Raine told Rural News horticulture is in a buoyant mood and will continue to boom.
"The horticulture industries collectively are on a high. It hasn't happened by chance. There has been a lot of work done to ensure we are in the space we are at the moment."
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman says innovation has been a key to success, on and off the orchards and gardens. Researchers such as Plant and Food had developed varieties that gave them the edge on the world stage.
The conference would have a key focus on technologies, especially drones.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

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