Horticulture

It cost the government more than $1 million per insect to eradicate the Queensland fruit fly, a potentially devastating pest species, from Auckland.

The Australian horticulture industry is worried that a new backpacker tax will drive most of their seasonal workers to New Zealand.

A $3000 fine imposed on a visiting Australian yacht skipper who tried to bring fruit, vegetables and meat into the country will not act as a deterrent, the horticulture industry says.

Gloom is predicted for the dairy industry but other primary industry sectors are in for a bright year, a Rabobank report says.

Health and industry officials are reminding growers to be on the look-out for any symptoms of typhoid among harvest crews, especially those from countries where the disease was prevalent.

Biosecurity staff have checked grocery stores inside the restricted area in Auckland which a potential new pest was discovered, owners say.

The tropical Tau fly is unlikely to be able to establish itself in New Zealand but, if it did, it could be a billion-dollar threat, Horticulture NZ says.

Kiwifruit marketer and exporter Zespri has again hit record crop numbers for the 2015 kiwifruit season.

The winners of five regional competitions compete for the national title of 2015 Young Grower of the Year in Christchurch. During the final, contestants face a series of practical and theoretical…