Cherry on top – exports reach record levels
New Zealand cherry exports may be headed for a record year in terms of volume, says Summerfruit NZ chief executive Dean Smith.
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."
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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