Zespri global sales top $5 billion for 2024–25 season amid strong demand
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Zespri chairman Peter McBride is challenging employers in the horticulture sector to do more for young people in the industry.
McBride told 400 people at the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year competition of the need to develop young people and bring them through the industry.
It has a lot of physical assets, but the most important is people, he says.
"In developing our young people we are creating equity opportunities for them. There are models out there for encouraging our young people to become owners; [we can] and give them opportunity in our businesses either with capital or by helping them to secure loans."
McBride says with horticulture and tourism the fastest-growing industries in NZ that creates a world of opportunity for young people -- in management, post harvest, orchard management and roles in Zespri and in the horticultural services sector.
And there is also plenty of scope for people to start their own businesses, he says.
"The business environment has never been better for young people to flourish and take opportunities. Most of these come in periods of difficulty or downturn so these are also periods of high risk. But they have to take the opportunity when it comes and push the boat out and hope the water stays in the harbour."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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