Bumper cherry exports in 2024
New Zealand cherry producer Southern Fruits International expects to send up to 340 tonnes of luxury cherries to the global market this summer - just over double that of the volume sent last year.
Summerfruit NZ is seeking grower support to continue levy funding for another six years. The Summerfruit Commodity Levy Order must be renewed every six years and was last renewed in 2008.
The ballot will be held in November this year in order for the Minister to approve a new levy in time for the 2014-15 season.
Voting begins on November 1 and closes on November 29, and this time voters have the option of fax, postal or online voting. Chief executive Marie Dawkins says online voting is a simple system.
"We've had really good feedback from those who have used this voting system for the Hort NZ and Pipfruit NZ levies, so we expect few problems."
Consultations with growers have been ongoing since May, with chairman Gary Bennetts, vice-chairman Tim Jones and Marie Dawkins touring the country and meeting growers on their orchards. Bennetts says the group met with many growers they seldom see.
"We made a real effort to get off the beaten track and catch up with growers in other growing areas. It was an interesting and rewarding process meeting so many growers on their properties."
While discussions about projects had been lively, Dawkins says there has been almost no negative feedback about the levy itself and growers clearly understand the way the levy is being invested.
"Support appears to be strong and we are hopeful of a positive outcome. Our biggest concern is voter indifference with voters not taking the time to submit their vote."
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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