A new 12ha cherry orchard now being set up by Cromwell’s 45 South is a vote of confidence in the future of Central Otago’s cherry industry.

Plant & Food Research is doing an international review to definitively determine the ways in which the organisation and New Zealand horticulture are world-class, says chief executive David Hughes.

The future of New Zealand’s primary export sector will depend on its ability to respond to an evolving trading environment.

Fonterra farmer shareholders will this week receive voting papers for the 2018 director election.

Zespri chairman Peter McBride says he has highly transferable and unique skills and experience to bring to the Fonterra board table.

Fonterra board member Ashley Waugh is in a unique position going into this year’s Fonterra director elections in which three seats are being vacated.

New Zealand’s primary industry export revenue is forecast to reach $43.8 billion for the year to June 2019, an increase of 2.5% from 2018.

The bad years are over for Westland Milk Products.

New Zealand’s red meat exports reached $6.7 billion in 2017-18.

Fonterra is dropping its 2018-19 forecast payout by up to 50c/kgMS.