NZ Kiwifruit Growers Set for Higher Returns Despite Risks
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
Sir Brian Elwood has been awarded the prestigious Hayward Medal for services to the kiwifruit industry.
The presentation to Sir Brian was made at a special dinner in Tauranga this week at the conclusion of Zespri's inaugural Kiwifruit Innovation Symposium.
The award to Sir Brian was made in recognition of his contribution to the industry as chairman of Kiwifruit New Zealand – the body which administers the laws relating to the industry.
Sir Brian served in this role for 10 years, only recently stepping down. The citation for his award stated he has a "fine legal mind which had served the industry well".
It noted his great integrity and the gracious manner in which he dealt all those in the industry and that when he spoke, the industry listened.
Sir Brian, a lawyer, has served in a number of public roles including chief ombudsman, overseeing the local government reforms in 1989 and mayor of Palmerston North.
He was presented with the Haywards medal by John Malyon, managing director of Oceanic Navigation Ltd.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.