Federated Farmers believes the 7.5% shareholding in Synlait taken by FrieslandCampina Investments Holding BV1, a subsidiary of Dutch Dairy Cooperative giant FrieslandCampina, could shake-up the New Zealand dairy industry.

Wine growers have welcomed the economic cooperation agreement signed this week between New Zealand and Taiwan, giving New Zealand wine tariff-free access to the Taiwan market as soon as it comes into force next year.

LANDCORP HAS done another deal with the Chinese company Shanghai Pengxin – this time to help develop a giant sheep farm.

Rabobank forecasts New Zealand's beef prices to firm next quarter, as supplies tighten after the higher, drought-induced slaughter volumes, and forecasts of a wetter-than-average winter also encourage producers to retain stock.

New rules for meat exports to China will be implemented today, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye say.

Westland Milk finished the season with a 5.3% increase in milk processed on last season, despite the drought on the West Coast.

A farmer-written report that explores our marketing of primary produce in Korea, Taiwan and China is "recommended reading".

Synlait Milk plans to raise $75 million new primary capital and will also hold a secondary sell down set at about $45 million.

PRICES FOR most fertilisers are down with the two main suppliers releasing new but as usual almost identical price lists.

A MARKET is emerging in China for cleaner, greener food and if this could happen in China, it could happen anywhere, says Australian sustainability advisor Paul Gilding.