One of the biggest problems that Covid-19 is causing NZ is that it's stopping politicians and business people having face-to-face contact with their counterparts in our major markets.

OPINION: The global market will be caught in the crossfire of China's measures to reduce its environmental footprint, with ambitious goals to be carbon neutral by 2060.

Global fruit production has not only perservered in the face of a worldwide health crisis, it has also continued to adapt in response to the evolving landscape.

Gold kiwifruit continues to dominate fruit exports in an otherwise challenging market, according to recent Stats NZ figures.

The apple industry needs to work hard to get more New Zealanders to work on orchards to replace the backpackers that, until Covid, provided a significant proportion of the sector's workforce.

Farm costs are rising rapidly and farmers are being urged to manage cows, staff and finance efficiently to stay profitable.

New Zealand's primary sector will crack the $50 billion mark in export earnings this year with the horticulture sector playing its part, according to MPI projections.

The ambitious goals of each of the primary sectors have come together in the past year to produce an outstanding result.

While many around the country are embarking on their annual Christmas break, it will be business as usual for the country's second largest milk processor.

The Australian Trucking Association is flashing its headlights to warn of a worsening situation with supplies of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) throughout the country.