Blueberries tipped for bumper season
Blueberries are likely to have a bumper season as the warmer El Niño weather pattern arrives in New Zealand ahead of peak blueberry season in mid-January.
The blueberry industry is reassuring New Zealanders that the popular fruit will still be available this Christmas.
This is despite the season getting off to a rough start with October's hard frost (-4.8 degrees c).
Blueberries New Zealand executive member Jeremy Wylie says despite recent frosts wiping out entire orchards in the Waikato, there will be enough stock for the Christmas holiday season.
"We know the demand for Blueberries is high, as data over the last few years has shown massive buyer growth for our fruit," Wylie explains.
"It is one of our most challenging years, but we are very keen to ensure New Zealanders get to enjoy our healthy, delicious fruit this year."
He says there's been a massive upswing in consumption for blueberries - particularly since the pandemic, as people are looking for the healthiest fruit and vegetable available.
"Blueberries are the perfect little snack, full of dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and vital antioxidants," Wylie says.
The blueberry season is traditionally from October to April.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.