Kingi Smiler, chairman of the Maori dairy company Miraka, which won the inaugural Maori Excellence in Export award He kai kei aku ringa, is proud of what his company has achieved in such a short time.

Fonterra's half-year results make unhappy reading to its 10,500 farmers, many struggling with drought and a precariously low payout.

The horticulture industry will not have to pay towards the Queensland fruit fly response in Auckland this time – but it will be liable in the future under the Government Industry Agreements.

A little over a year since its implementation, the Harvested Wood Material levy, better known as the 'forestry levy', is "going really well," says the outgoing president of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association.

Zespri forecasts a record season for Gold kiwifruit even though the new replacement Gold3 orchards are not yet in full production.

The kiwifruit season is promising strong growth with volumes back to pre-Psa levels this season, Zespri's chief executive Lain Jager says.

Fonterra has described its half year trading as subdued, with revenues dropping 14% compared to last year.

Two weeks on and the 1080 threat to infant formula has disappeared from media headlines.

Prime Minister John Key says India knows it needs a free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, though an FTA is always “challenging” for the agricultural sector of any country we negotiate with.

Fonterra has made a u-turn on its organic business, on the back of growing global demand, lifting its premium to certified organic dairy farmers by 45 cents to $1.50/kgMS.