HORTICULTURE - MSC NewsWire

Hi-tech automated robotic apple packer launched

With the world facing up to feeding almost 10 billion people by 2050, a new joint venture, Global Pac Technologies, has launched a hi-tech automated robotic apple packer to help meet the global challenges of processing increasing quantities of fresh produce.

Source/ReadMore FreshPlaza

Key investments leads to greater quality for a Greytown pear grower

New Zealand pear producers JR's Orchards have put an increase in production and an improvement in fruit quality down to their investment in crop protection and irrigation technology.

Source http://www.freshplaza.com/article/196961/NZ-Key-investments-leads-to-greater-quality-for-a-NZ-pear-grower

Almond project expands to three states in Australia

One of our research blocks is planted at a new 2,500-hectare commercial almond orchard in New South Wales.

Plant & Food Research is a New Zealand-based science company providing research and development that adds value to the marine and plant-based food industries. Including Plant & Food Research Australia's almond research which has expanded to Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Source Plant & Food Research

Iwi collective beats out foreign bidders to buy 100ha of Te Puke kiwifruit orchards

Three North Island iwi have pooled their resources to buy three kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke for an undisclosed sum in a tender that was pitched to foreign buyers.

AVOCO urges grower caution as Mexico signals interest in supplying Australasia

Early moves by Mexico’s avocado producers to enter the Australasian market is a timely reminder about the benefits of supporting market development in Asia, says AVOCO.

Source AVOCO

Great demand for cherry orchards

On the Central Otago rural property market, demand for land to grow cherries has become a significant feature.

Source/ReadMore Fresh Plaza

New Zealand macadamia industry to embark on significant 10-year growth strategy

One of Torere Macadamias' varieties with premium crops

The New Zealand macadamia industry is embarking on a ten-year growth strategy to dramatically increase domestic production reports Matthew Russell for FreshPlaza.

Source/ReadMore A FreshPlaza release

Mandarin trees in New Zealand

Since 2007, New Zealand's mandarin tree population has been slowly growing, though it's far from its peak 15 years ago.

Source/ReadMore A FreshPlaza release

Organic insect deterrent for agriculture

Biodegradable crop protection products without risks or side effects

Source The MSCNewsWire Network

Sustaining our environment – best products from the best country

On World Environment Day, 5 June, Environment Minister David Parker and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor launched a primary sector action plan for water quality. This is the rural sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Source HortNZ - Mike Chapman, CEO

Consumers want NZ organic products - report

As the OANZ 2018 Market Report is finalised prior to its June 20 launch, a recurrent signal is that consumers want more organic products and that it is up to producers, manufacturers and retailers to respond to a burgeoning opportunity.