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 New Zealand has increased the number of places it offers on its highly regarded industry Leadership Programme this year.
The programme runs a selection process every year and 12 people from throughout the commercial fruit and vegetable growing industry are accepted. This year HortNZ is providing six more places, taking the total number of place up to 18.
The programme is in its 15th year and has had more than 180 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take significant roles in the horticulture world, either in their own businesses, with their employer's business or in wider aspects of industry leadership.
"The fruit and vegetable industry has bold goals for growth and our businesses have ambitious growth targets which require strong leadership," HortNZ senior business manager Sue Pickering says.
"Our members and affiliates are recognising this and are looking increasingly towards the HortNZ leadership programme to help develop our emerging leaders."
The HortNZ Leadership Programme is run in conjunction with Lincoln University. Applications for this year's programme close on May 31.
For more information, visit http://www.hortnz.co.nz/our-work/people/leadership-programme-information/
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…