The apple and stonefruit industry members at the heart of the legal action against MPI over seized plants and plant material have welcomed MPI’s latest announcement, advising the release of 20,000 apple plants and 400 stonefruit plants from containment.

In light of the recent shocking Australian strawberry tampering event, the New Zealand produce industry is taking every action possible to reassure customers their safety systems are robust.

According to the latest list of registered orchards and packaging factories, the first commercial New Zealand avocados have officially entered the Chinese market and are now on sale at Tmall.

The persimmon season has just started in the United States, with harvest of the early season varieties underway.

United Media Solution has been appointed by New Zealand Avocado, to create and manage its digital marketing presence in China.

Following MPI’s revised directions issued under s122 of the Biosecurity Act, the affected apple and stonefruit industry group is taking some time to fully review the new directions and the accompanying testing plan.

A Gisborne exotic mushroom grower plans to expand his operation, following their successful introduction at the local farmers markets.

With one minute before the 5:00pm deadline set by the High Court, MPI has issued revised directions to the affected apple and stonefruit industry members, under s122 of the Biosecurity Act.

Lewis Farms from Horowhenua decided to diversify into strawberries out of a selfless desire to create year-round employment for the staff.

Apple and stonefruit industry members are waiting on new directives from MPI which will determine the fate of over 48,000 apple and stonefruit trees. The initial directive, issued by MPI under Section 116 of the Biosecurity Act was deemed unlawful by the High Court, sending the parties into discussions regarding alternatives to the initial contain and/or destroy directive.

Seeka's avocado harvest has begun, bringing premium New Zealand fruit to both local and export markets. The 2018/19 season runs from August to February and when Seeka delivers on its reputation for quality in distinctive blue boxes.