Horticulture News
Canterbury farmers ask MPs to cut red tape
Minister Nicola Grigg acknowledged that farmers were 'burdened' by paperwork.
Hazelnut growers call for more research to crack open opportunities
New Zealand produces only 10-15% of the hazelnuts it consumes annually.
Blueberry growers thrive with bumper crop
Packhouse director Patrick Malley points to exciting future for Northland horticulture.
Northland set to lose $70m tomato project to Waikato
Glasshouse will relocate to Waikato for a new CO2 supply after Marsden Point closure.
Grower says industrial hemp should be an ‘agricultural crop’ - not a ‘drug’
Government plans to review regulations on industrial hemp.
Olivado liquidation: Seeka boss explains why they bought the company
New boss hopes to keep jobs, liquidator says claims still coming in.
The Country: Horticulture update with Kate Scott
Kate Scott, Sir David Fagan, Sam Owen, Chris Brandolino, Rachel Shearer, and Barry Soper.
'Record year' for cherry exports
Informetrics data shows it's the first time exports have been valued at more than $100m.
To bee, or not to bee: Looking after the littlest livestock
'Bees are not as easy to look after as many people think.'
‘We are world-leading’: Zespri’s compostable label innovation
Zespri says other fruit companies use home-compostable labels, but not in all markets.
‘Strong sense of confidence’: Kiwifruit industry eyes record harvest
The kiwifruit industry picked up last year and things are looking good for 2025.
NZ blueberries ripe for expansion
New Zealand produced about 4000 tonnes of blueberries in 2023/2024 on 1000 hectares.
$42m debt owed by major cherry grower in liquidation
Across the three registered companies, the business owes roughly $42 million.
First overseas kiwifruit shipment loaded at Gisborne’s Eastland Port
First of five ships took away 980 pallets of kiwifruit.
'All we knew was avocado on toast': City couple's orchard adventure
Couple flipped their lives from corporate city dwellers to hands-on avocado orchardists.
Top gong for Te Puke kiwifruit growers at BOP Farm Environment Awards
Kiwifruit orchards were developed while leaving much of the natural environment untouched.
Grape expectations: Quality promising after challenging start to growing season
Pinot gris variety of particularly good quality, chardonnay outstanding.
'Short and sharp': Early feijoa harvest hits Gisborne, Hawke's Bay
Growers report good fruit size, but heavy crops have struggled due to wet conditions.
Pan Pac's rising electricity bill continuing to cause headaches
Pan Pac claims its main competitors in Canada have seen far lower price hikes.
Apples that can grow in 40C, dragon fruit for NZ - scientists preparing our fruit for a warm future
Both projects are finalists for the Science New Zealand Awards 2025 in March.
Why is New Zealand garlic so expensive?
Why does a head of home-grown garlic cost an arm and a leg, compared to imported garlic?
Far North could be industrial hemp stronghold if drug law changes
The Far North is ideal for a burgeoning hemp industry, but a law change is needed first.
Gene technology bill: Hawke’s Bay apple CEO says it’s needed, but critics remain
'The only way we are going to continue to compete globally is through innovation.'
Green-belt soils among NZ’s best but becoming ‘near impossible to farm’ – landowner
The Strawberry Patch business is closing – should a retirement village take its place?
Unions concerns over new immigration policies for RSE workers
There are close to 9000 workers in NZ under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
T&G Global posts 128% profit growth despite $9.9m net loss
Apples the 'engine room for growth' for T&G Global.
$19b boost: Agri sector set to carry NZ economy this year
Infometrics’ latest look at regional economies shows signs of recovery in rural areas.
Govt accepts plan to cut approval times for products ‘absolutely critical’ to Kiwis
Halving approval times could have a massive economic benefit.
Spreading joy: Sunflower field offers free blooms and happiness
Local businesses donated seeds and skills to support the community project.
'Out of this world': Humongous fungus find in BoP
A BoP woman stumbled upon two giant mushrooms while on her daily walk.
NZ at risk of losing locally grown veges: industry leader
Vegetables NZ says the system is broken and growers are being put out of business.
Green light for industrial hemp regulation review
'People’s attitudes to industrial hemp have changed.'
‘Biggest threat’: Northland fears Gene Technology Bill may erode GMO-free protections
Local councils want to keep decision-making powers over gene technology.
Flower growers have thorn in their side over proposed import changes
Flower growers worry the change could introduce new pests.
Revealed: Map shows areas with strict fruit, vege rules after fruit fly find
If the species is found to have become established there would be 'major economic costs'.