New Summerfruit NZ CEO
Dean Smith has been in the role of CEO of Summerfruit NZ for about four months, having succeeded Kate Hellstrom at the end of September.
Summerfruit NZ's new chair says the biggest problems facing growers are the ongoing labour shortage and the difficulty getting produce to overseas markets due to the logistics crisis caused by Covid-19.
Roger Brownlie took over from Tim Jones at the organisation's recent AGM. He hails from Hawke's Bay and runs an orchar in partnership with his wife.
They grow a range of summerfruit including apricots, nectarines, cherries, and a few apples. At the peak of the season, they employ about 30 staff to pick and pack their crop.
Brownlie says at some time in the near future there will be a bumper season for summerfruit out of the South Island, which will need extra labour and good logistics to get to market. He says the sector will be focusing on working collaboratively with HortNZ to get a positive response on these issues from government.
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
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