NZ avocado growers gain FernMark export licence
New Zealand avocado growers have received a major boost by securing a collective FernMark Licence for their exports.
Fieldays has added another feather to its cap - the coveted New Zealand Story’s FernMark licence programme.
Announced today at the Fieldays primary leaders’ luncheon, the government-backed accreditation was designed to help New Zealand businesses stand out in global markets by identifying that they contribute to the essence of the New Zealand story.
Since its inception in 1968, Fieldays has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and New Zealand's economy. A proud heritage and legacy have been built by the many people who have supported and volunteered with the organisation since it began.
New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation speaks of what securing this accreditation means for Fieldays.
"For many years, the Fieldays event has grown in stature across the world. Famous for staging world-class innovation and technology, exposing homegrown New Zealand companies to world markets, and staging important networking and international relationships, Fieldays has a reputation for quality, scale, and tradition. Annually, it is the event to renew relationships and partnerships and create new opportunities”.
“Together with New Zealand Story, we can further accelerate our brand, reputation and valued customers onto the world stage, showing that although we’re a small country, we have the innovations and ideas to showcase on the world stage,” says Nation.
New Zealand Story chief executive David Downs says its fantastic to see Fieldays becoming the first event of its kind to receive a FernMark Licence.
“Fieldays isn’t just a national institution – it also reaches diverse international audiences – so aligning with the FernMark is a testament to its role in showcasing our innovation in the sector. Fieldays underscores the ingenuity, authenticity, and quality that our country is renowned for – the FernMark was the perfect fit,” says Downs.
Fieldays says it attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
Fieldays attracts exhibitors who have also proved worthy of the FernMark licence, such as Zespri, Greenlea Meats, Betacraft, Stallion Ltd, Anchor, AgriSea NZ Seaweed Limited, and more.
"This accreditation now puts the Fieldays brand alongside our valued and iconic export customers. We are proud of this association, which represents the best New Zealand food and fibre suppliers globally", says Nation.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…