When compared to last weeks sale in the North Island, wool was generally dearer at yesterday's sale despite a slight increase in the NZ dollar.

The People's Republic of China's Government of Guizhou Province and New Zealand's Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) have launched an international agricultural exchange programme.

THE WOOL SALE held in the South Island today (Thursday) comprised 10,334 bales of which 7, 587 reached market reserves or above, New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's general manager, John Dawson reports.

AUSTRALIAN DAIRY, rice and wine exporters to Malaysia are the biggest winners in a free trade agreement (FTA) signed between the two countries last month.

NEGOTIATIONS ON the Government’s biosecurity response agreement is far from over, says Horticulture New Zealand president Andrew Fenton.

“PLEASE HELP us” is the impassioned plea from Te Puke kiwifruit grower Rob Thode, who says growers feel abandoned.

A NEWLY opened Fonterra innovation centre in Shanghai will develop dairy products and ingredients for the China market.

Compared to last week's North Island auction on the May 17 the weaker New Zealand dollar and restricted supplies, coupled with renewed overseas buying, combined to lift prices for the 7885 bales of South Island wool on offer this week, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson advises.

The 7,900 bales of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 68.7% clearance with a generally firm to dearer trend, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

IN JUST its first year Miraka, the new Maori-owned dairy company, is ahead of its production targets. The major shareholders in the plant are the Tuaropaki Trust, owners of the land where the plant is built, and Wairarapa Moana, owner of at least 10,000ha in the area north of  Taupo.