Fonterra to appeal Aussie court ruling
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
New Zealand strawberry growers say there is no evidence to suggest any connection to the food safety scare engulfing Australian growers.
They say needles found in Australian strawberries in an Auckland Countdown store on Saturday, was an “Australian strawberry issue”.
Several batches of strawberries in Australia have also been found with needles in recent weeks.
Strawberry Growers New Zealand executive manager Michael Ahern says while this is naturally of concern to their industry, this is an Australian strawberry issue and there is no evidence to suggest any connection to New Zealand-grown strawberries.
He says New Zealand strawberries are ripening nicely with the approach of warmer spring weather.
"While we have a heightened awareness of the issues, there is absolutely no reason to think New Zealand strawberries will be targeted."
The structure of the New Zealand strawberry industry is based around family farms and hands-on owner operators. Some of these operations go back more than two generations and have strong local connections. The New Zealand public can trust and rely on the diligence of such growers, everyday New Zealanders, to deliver produce and deliver safe food.
"The biggest issue reported by strawberry growers right now is supply. We just need a bit more sunshine, daylight and warmth, and we will be underway to providing that traditionally positive feeling associated with New Zealand strawberries that summer and Christmas must be coming.
If people are genuinely worried, our advice is that they should cut the strawberries before eating, to provide absolute confidence."
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
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