Agri sector to lead economic recovery
OPINION: Over the past month, people up and down the country have been asking me what I think is in store for the Agri sector.
A drop in fresh milk prices by 14% contributed to food prices falling by 1.3% in the year to December 2015, Statistics New Zealand says.
Lower prices for grocery foods in general also influenced the fall which is the largest since July 2012.
Grocery food prices decreased 3% over the year, led by lower prices for some dairy products, and for breads and cereals. Fresh milk prices were down 14% compared with the same period last year.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices decreased 3.8% over the year, led by lower prices for chicken. Chicken prices are now at their lowest level since January 2008.
"Chicken prices have fallen during the year, with the price for a kilo of chicken breast averaging $14.62 in December, compared with $16.60 a year ago," consumer prices manager Matt Haigh says.
Fruit and vegetable prices increased 2.4%, with higher prices for avocados and bananas.
In December food prices fell 0.8% influenced by lower prices for meat, poultry, and fish; and non-alcoholic beverages. Seasonally adjusted food prices fell 0.5%.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices fell 2.7% in the month, reflecting lower prices for chicken (down 6.2%).
"Prices rose for apples, avocados, and bananas in December," Haigh says. "Fruit prices were up 5.1%, although this rise was only 1.5% after adjusting for seasonal effects."
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
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We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
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A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.