Some of the 21,000 apple trees and plant material involved in the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity action are very important to the industry, says Alan Pollard, Pipfruit NZ chief executive officer.

Pipfruit NZ is changing its name to New Zealand Apples and Pears Inc.

Horticulture has "the brightest future of all" in New Zealand's primary industries, according to Mike Petersen, special agricultural trade envoy.

The New Zealand pipfruit industry recently regained its position as the world’s most competitive pipfruit industry, making this year’s conference time to reflect, says Pipfruit NZ.

FRUIT GROWERS in Temuka, South Canterbury are searching their crop for more yellow spotted stink bug. This follows the discovery of a single unmated female bug last week.