http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news Sat, 19 May 2012 15:54:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1012/pma-global-donates-salad-bar-in-support-of-letas-move-salad-bars-to-schools-initiative http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1012/pma-global-donates-salad-bar-in-support-of-letas-move-salad-bars-to-schools-initiative Produce Marketing Association (PMA Global), as a member of the National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, donated a salad bar to John R. Downes Elementary School in Newark, Del., on Friday, May 11, as part of its commitment to increasing children’s consumption of fresh produce, in support of the Let’s Move... Fri, 18 May 2012 09:38:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1011/marketer-of-the-year-award-finalists-announced http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1011/marketer-of-the-year-award-finalists-announced PMA Australia-New Zealand and Produce Plus Magazine are delighted to announce the five finalists for the Marketer of the Year Award 2012, the newest accolade for the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries. The top five finalists are Helen Hill of Achacha Fruit Management, for her marketing of... Mon, 14 May 2012 14:44:05 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1010/budgets-loss-carry-back-measure-could-benefit-struggling-fresh-produce-companies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1010/budgets-loss-carry-back-measure-could-benefit-struggling-fresh-produce-companies PMA Australia-New Zealand CEO, Michael Worthington, today applauded the budget measure to allow companies to carry-back their losses, saying that the refund from taxes paid over the previous year could benefit many struggling fresh produce companies across Australia. “The fresh fruit, vegetable and floral... Wed, 09 May 2012 15:32:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1009/amarketer-of-the-yeara-award-2012-nominations-now-closed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1009/amarketer-of-the-yeara-award-2012-nominations-now-closed Nominations for the inaugural PMA - Produce Plus Marketer of the Year Award 2012 have now closed and finalists have been announced. To view the list of finalists, please click here. About the Award The new award recognises outstanding achievement over the past year in the marketing of fresh fruit... Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:03:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1007/autumn-edition-of-fresh-focus-magazine-now-available http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1007/autumn-edition-of-fresh-focus-magazine-now-available The second edition of Fresh Focus, PMA A-NZ's new quarterly newsletter aimed squarely at the independent greengrocer trade is now available. This newsletter has the objective of connecting with over 2,500 independent businesses that sell fresh produce in Australia. These range from the small single-shop... Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:32:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1006/call-for-nominations-pma-a-nz-produce-plus-magazine-unveil-amarketer-of-the-yeara-award-2012 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1006/call-for-nominations-pma-a-nz-produce-plus-magazine-unveil-amarketer-of-the-yeara-award-2012 PMA Australia-New Zealand and Produce Plus Magazine are pleased to unveil the “Marketer of the Year” Award, the newest accolade for the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries. The new award recognises outstanding achievement over the past year in the marketing of fresh fruit, vegetables... Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:07:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1005/daff-release-2011-update-to-foodmapan-analysis-of-the-australian-food-supply-chain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1005/daff-release-2011-update-to-foodmapan-analysis-of-the-australian-food-supply-chain The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry yesterday released the 2011 update by Freshlogic to FOODmap: An analysis of the Australian food supply chain. A comparative analysis of Australian food distribution channels, it examines the different ways food reaches consumers; ranging from the well-known... Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:07:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1004/australasias-best-fruit-and-veg-to-be-a-delight-for-the-senses-at-pma-fresh-connections http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1004/australasias-best-fruit-and-veg-to-be-a-delight-for-the-senses-at-pma-fresh-connections Networking, educational and business building opportunities with the movers and shakers of the Australasian fresh produce industry are not all that's on offer at PMA Fresh Connections 2012— the produce-packed trade show also looks set to delight the senses! PMA Australia-New Zealand and The Australian... Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:33:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1003/food-safety-for-produce-industry-top-priority-for-pma-members http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1003/food-safety-for-produce-industry-top-priority-for-pma-members —PMA makes $900,000 contribution to the Center for Produce Safety— SAN DIEGO and NEWARK, Del., Jan. 12, 2012 —Food safety in the produce industry continues to be top of mind for consumers and industry leaders in 2012. Recognizing that ensuring consumer confidence in produce is crucial to... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:42:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1008/pma-fresh-connections-experiencing-strong-interest-in-sponsorship-exhibitor-opportunities http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1008/pma-fresh-connections-experiencing-strong-interest-in-sponsorship-exhibitor-opportunities PMA Fresh Connections 2012 Conference and Trade Show will expand networks and brand profiles for sponsors and exhibitors to some of Australia and New Zealand's most influential decision makers when it convenes in Melbourne this June (26-28). With up to 1000 delegates expected to attend from across the entire... Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:10:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1002/tip-murphy-scholarship-for-leadership-excellence-recipients-announced http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1002/tip-murphy-scholarship-for-leadership-excellence-recipients-announced NEWARK, Del., Dec. 21, 2011— Kellen Stailey and Patrick Morris have been selected to receive the fourth annual Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence offered through the Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent. Stailey, senior manager of sales and marketing for Sunshine Bouquet... Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:30:55 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1001/three-year-sponsorship-deal-heralds-bright-new-phase-for-produce-executive-program http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1001/three-year-sponsorship-deal-heralds-bright-new-phase-for-produce-executive-program The Institute of Food and Grocery Management's very popular Produce Executive Program (PEP) looks set to move to a bright new phase with the announcement that PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) will support the program as its new lead sponsor. Under the three-year deal, every attendee will receive a... Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:06:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/999/consumers-to-benefit-from-lower-fruit-and-veg-prices-this-festive-season http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/999/consumers-to-benefit-from-lower-fruit-and-veg-prices-this-festive-season There has never been a better time to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, says Produce Marketing Association (A-NZ) CEO, Michael Worthington. According to a survey of retailers and wholesalers, vegetable prices are a massive 20% lower than they were this time last year — just in time for Christmas... Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:54:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/998/pma-a-nz-launches-fresh-focus-a-quarterly-magazine-for-greengrocers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/998/pma-a-nz-launches-fresh-focus-a-quarterly-magazine-for-greengrocers PMA A-NZ has launched a quarterly newsletter aimed squarely at the independent greengrocer trade. Called Fresh Focus, this newsletter has the objective of connecting with over 2,500 independent businesses that sell fresh produce in Australia. These range from the small single-shop greengrocer through to the... Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:42:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/997/annual-general-meeting-pma-a-nz-chairmans-address http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/997/annual-general-meeting-pma-a-nz-chairmans-address Good afternoon and welcome to all members who are in attendance either in person here at 6-8 Carter Street, Homebush Bay or via teleconference for PMA Australia-New Zealand Limited’s second Annual General Meeting. The 2010-2011 Financial Year saw a further consolidation of PMA’s role as an important... Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:23:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/996/innovation-growth-and-productivity-to-highlight-20th-pma-foundation-leadership-symposium http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/996/innovation-growth-and-productivity-to-highlight-20th-pma-foundation-leadership-symposium NEWARK, Del., Nov. 23, 2011— Business leaders across the produce industry are continually looking to enhance their business strategies, challenge themselves with innovative solutions for growth and productivity and network with peers. To accomplish this they seek a world-class forum that understands the... Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:26:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/995/trade-deficit-blow-out-hurting-108-billion-food-and-grocery-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/995/trade-deficit-blow-out-hurting-108-billion-food-and-grocery-industry The trade deficit of Australia’s $108 billion food and grocery manufacturing industry almost doubled over the past year, reflecting the intense economic pressures facing the sector, according to a new report by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and KPMG. The Report found the industry’s... Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:45:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/994/australian-vegetable-growing-farms-an-economic-survey-2009-10-research-report-118 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/994/australian-vegetable-growing-farms-an-economic-survey-2009-10-research-report-118 This report contains results from the most recent survey of Australian vegetable growers conducted by ABARES between February and August 2011 on behalf of Horticulture Australia Limited. This is the fifth survey of Australian vegetable growers conducted by ABARES. Comprehensive data on the physical, financial and... Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:42:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/993/pma-unveils-new-consumer-research-on-packaging-trends http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/993/pma-unveils-new-consumer-research-on-packaging-trends As part of our ongoing effort to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, PMA commissioned the Perishables Group to conduct research to gauge consumer attitudes towards packaged and loose/bulk produce. Use the insights and recommendations from PMA’s 2011 Consumer Attitudes Towards Packaged... Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:56:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/990/pma-a-nz-rejects-moves-by-katter-xenophon-to-require-supermarkets-to-reveal-prices-paid-to-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/990/pma-a-nz-rejects-moves-by-katter-xenophon-to-require-supermarkets-to-reveal-prices-paid-to-growers PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ), the leading fresh produce and floral industries’ trade association in the Australasian region, has rejected calls by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon and Federal MP Bob Katter for Parliament to support a bill that would require big supermarkets to disclose mark-ups on... Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:13:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/992/industry-comes-together-in-honor-of-tip-murphy-scholarship http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/992/industry-comes-together-in-honor-of-tip-murphy-scholarship Golf tournament raises money for future produce industry leaders NEWARK, Del., Sept. 27, 2011 — Members of the produce industry came together at the Oasis Golf Club in Loveland, Ohio, Sept. 12, to support Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foundation for Industry Talent’s Tip Murphy Scholarship for... Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:33:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/991/eat-more-veg-2011-showcasing-eat-well-tasmaniaas-activities-to-promote-consumption-of-tassie-veg http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/991/eat-more-veg-2011-showcasing-eat-well-tasmaniaas-activities-to-promote-consumption-of-tassie-veg Eat Well Tasmania Inc. are pleased to announce: Eat More Veg, 2011 “Showcasing Tasmanian vegetable growers and their produce, and Eat Well Tasmania’s activities to promote consumption of Tasmanian vegetables” Thursday 27th October 2011 10.30am – 3.30pm The Tramsheds, 4 Invermay... Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:31:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/989/developing-the-produce-industrys-future-leaders-grows-at-fresh-summit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/989/developing-the-produce-industrys-future-leaders-grows-at-fresh-summit NEWARK, Del. — Improving your business in the produce industry requires a focus on its most important asset—people. That will be a priority at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition October 14-17, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. PMA’s... Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:10:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/988/produce-industry-builds-business-connections-one-fresh-summit-contact-at-a-time http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/988/produce-industry-builds-business-connections-one-fresh-summit-contact-at-a-time —Many valuable, first-time features are on tap for this year’s show in Atlanta— As the produce industry continues to thrive in spite of challenging economic times, the opportunities to learn the latest for global success will be available October 14-17, 2011, at the Produce Marketing... Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:09:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/987/business-and-study-combine-forces-to-promote-agriculture-as-rewarding-career-path http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/987/business-and-study-combine-forces-to-promote-agriculture-as-rewarding-career-path Opportunities for employment in Australian agriculture have been given a boost with a program on offer that takes students out of the classroom and into the business world. Offered by the Deakin Graduate School of Business, the Business Practicum Program provides students with the opportunity to observe and... Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:16:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/986/pma-australia-new-zealand-helps-members-gain-expertise http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/986/pma-australia-new-zealand-helps-members-gain-expertise Looking to solve a challenging business issue? WOFIE can help! As part of our successful two-way relationship with Deakin University, it gives us great pleasure to offer our members a unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Deakin University “Workshop for Innovation and Entrepreneurship”... Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:53:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/985/pmas-fresh-magazine-the-social-media-issue-is-now-online http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/985/pmas-fresh-magazine-the-social-media-issue-is-now-online The 2011 Summer edition of PMA’s Fresh Magazine, the Social Media issue, is now available online. Or view Fresh magazine on your iPhone® iPad™ or iPod touch® by downloading the free app. Features include: • A PMA Facebook Discussion — learn how the produce industry is... Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:02:48 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/984/pma-launches-fruit-and-vegie-week-idea http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/984/pma-launches-fruit-and-vegie-week-idea THE fresh produce industry is set to get its own week aimed at boosting the Australian and New Zealand public’s consumption of fruit and vegetables. The concept of a Fruit and Vegetable Week was announced in Brisbane at Fresh Connections 2011, a national conference for vegetable, fruit and floral... Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:06:48 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/983/fresh-connections-2011-a-spectacular-event-that-united-the-australasian-fresh-produce-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/983/fresh-connections-2011-a-spectacular-event-that-united-the-australasian-fresh-produce-industry The Fresh Connections 2011 Conference & Trade Show on 8-10 June attracted over 750 delegates to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from the Australian and New Zealand fresh produce industry. With the theme of 'Bringing the Industry Together', Fresh Connections 2011 united even more people... Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:04:51 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/982/fresh-connections-welcomes-beer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/982/fresh-connections-welcomes-beer FRUIT and vegetables should be the centrepiece of a meal, not an afterthought. That's the message according to renowned foodie Maggie Beer. Mrs Beer, who is a self-taught cook, food author, TV chef and gourmet food producer, said the key to boosting fruit and vegetable consumption and sales was to get... Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:12:06 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/981/pma-applauds-usda-easy-to-understand-healthy-eating-graphic http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/981/pma-applauds-usda-easy-to-understand-healthy-eating-graphic Food pyramid now replaced with a dinner plate graphic with fruits and vegetables at the center of healthy eating Newark, Del., June 2, 2011 —The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s release today of a revamped “plate” graphic of dietary needs for consumers clearly illustrates that fruits and... Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:46:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/980/pma-a-nz-provides-new-professional-development-resource http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/980/pma-a-nz-provides-new-professional-development-resource If you've been contemplating undertaking some form of professional development, get started on the right track by visiting the new PMA A-NZ Professional Development page at http://www.pma-anz.com/attract-and-retain-staff/employers/professional-development We want to make this list as complete as possible so... Thu, 12 May 2011 12:22:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/979/freshincite-april-edition http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/979/freshincite-april-edition Prepared monthly, this newsletter provides a foodcast on Australian and international trends, innovations, and insights relevant to the Australian food market. In the April 2011 publication, Freshlogic report on the following insights: • Eating out under further pressure • CPI analysis falls into... Mon, 02 May 2011 10:52:23 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/978/pma-premier-fresh-produce-educational-and-networking-event-in-australasia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/978/pma-premier-fresh-produce-educational-and-networking-event-in-australasia The line-up of speakers at PMA’s Fresh Connections 2011 Conference and Trade Show (Brisbane 8-10 June) promises to be a major highlight. Leading speakers from the retail and food service sectors, coupled with inspirational speakers on the topic of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, will headline the... Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:26:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/976/invaluable-networking-educational-and-business-building-opportunities-at-fresh-connections-2011 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/976/invaluable-networking-educational-and-business-building-opportunities-at-fresh-connections-2011 Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond will find an invaluable array of networking, educational and business building opportunities on offer at Fresh Connections 2011 Conference and Trade Show when it convenes in Brisbane 8-10 June. This year, PMA Australia-New Zealand will be co-hosting the... Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:53:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/977/pma-expands-global-reach-hosts-inaugural-fresh-connections-southern-africa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/977/pma-expands-global-reach-hosts-inaugural-fresh-connections-southern-africa Newark, Del. —The Southern Africa produce industry is offered an unprecedented opportunity on April 12 to attend the region’s first event hosted by Produce Marketing Association (PMA) to gather the entire produce supply chain at Fresh Connections: Southern Africa. Held at the NH Lord Charles Hotel in... Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:42:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/975/maggie-beer-to-take-the-stage-at-fresh-connections-2011 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/975/maggie-beer-to-take-the-stage-at-fresh-connections-2011 Increasing fruit & veg consumption a major focus as Maggie Beer and others take the stage at Fresh Connections 2011 Iconic Celebrity Chef, Maggie Beer will be joined by her daughter Saskia of Barossa Farm Produce to offer insights into how fresh produce businesses can really connect with consumers to... Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:57:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/974/hot-off-the-press-march-edition-of-fresh-produce-in-retail-world-magazine-out-now http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/974/hot-off-the-press-march-edition-of-fresh-produce-in-retail-world-magazine-out-now In collaboration with PMA A-NZ, Retail World released their second Fresh Produce section, on March 1 2011. In this issue: Michael Worthington's regular column this time entitled 'Bringing the Industry Together' In-store demonstrations and the effect on produce retail sales ... Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:48:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/972/consumer-focus-rare-networking-opportunities-as-pma-fresh-forum-returns-to-perth http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/972/consumer-focus-rare-networking-opportunities-as-pma-fresh-forum-returns-to-perth It will be all about the consumer when PMA Fresh Forum makes its first return trip to Perth on 5 April, promising WA's fresh produce community the rare opportunity to network in their own 'back yard', with key industry figures from across the entire fresh produce supply chain. According to Michael... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:23:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/971/business-building-networking-and-learning-opportunities-on-offer-at-pma-fresh-forum-newcastle http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/971/business-building-networking-and-learning-opportunities-on-offer-at-pma-fresh-forum-newcastle Melbourne, Australia – NSW's fresh produce companies will have a rare opportunity to network with key industry figures from across the entire fresh produce supply chain, in their own 'back yard' when PMA Fresh Forums join with the 2011 Australian Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Industries Annual... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:18:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/973/where-to-from-here-for-fruit-and-vegetable-consumption http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/973/where-to-from-here-for-fruit-and-vegetable-consumption With statistics indicating that the reported adult intake of the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables has been idling in recent years, a new task force is looking at ways to increase consumption of fresh produce. The task force, set up by PMA Australia-New Zealand and chaired by Tony McFadzean... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:26:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/970/pears-prolific-in-the-goulburn-valley http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/970/pears-prolific-in-the-goulburn-valley One of the largest pear crops in years is being harvest in Victoria's Goulburn Valley. View article... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:41:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/968/progress-of-recovery-for-primary-producers-in-the-lockyer-valley http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/968/progress-of-recovery-for-primary-producers-in-the-lockyer-valley It has been two months since the devastating flood events in the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions and recovery and reconstruction is well underway. Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said the outlook for primary producers in the Lockyer Valley is positive, with the Winter... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:55:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/967/asuper-primary-industries-ministry-supercharges-agriculture http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/967/asuper-primary-industries-ministry-supercharges-agriculture Plans to create a 'super' primary industries Ministry made up of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has the full backing of Federated Farmers. View article... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:41:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/966/growers-consider-options-in-potato-price-stoush http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/966/growers-consider-options-in-potato-price-stoush Ballarat potato growers will continue to push for a better price for their crops from McCain Foods. View article... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:40:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/965/nz-industry-bash-to-prepare-for-harvest-hurdle http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/965/nz-industry-bash-to-prepare-for-harvest-hurdle The coming kiwifruit harvest will be full of challenges, which include managing Psa-affected orchards and meeting market deadlines, but it is unlikely to involve the kinds of hurdles industry players faced at the Zespri Industry Challenge at Centennial Park in Te Puke. View article... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:38:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/964/first-apple-imports-make-little-dent-in-the-market http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/964/first-apple-imports-make-little-dent-in-the-market Chinese apple imports have had a minimal effect on the Australian apple industry. View article... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:33:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/963/melbourne-markets-mandarins http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/963/melbourne-markets-mandarins Citrus Australia and the Melbourne Citrus Committee have joined forces to promote Australian grown mandarins. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:23:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/962/flooding-forces-gulf-truckies-way-off-course http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/962/flooding-forces-gulf-truckies-way-off-course Truck drivers carrying supplies through north-west Queensland and the Gulf Country are adding thousands of kilometres to their regular journey, due to flooding and road closures. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:22:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/961/earthquake-ocr-cut-welcomed-by-federated-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/961/earthquake-ocr-cut-welcomed-by-federated-farmers This morning's cut of the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.5 percent comes as no surprise following the devastation of the Christchurch Earthquake in addition to concerns about our already sluggish economy. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:28:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/960/tomato-virus-goes-north http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/960/tomato-virus-goes-north A virus that can destroy tomato plantations has spread to Far North Queensland. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:27:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/959/its-farm-day-this-sunday http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/959/its-farm-day-this-sunday Federated Farmers is putting the finishing touches to Farm Day 2011, which will be held near the major centres this coming Sunday 13 March. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:27:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/958/gillard-lauds-free-trade-in-address-to-us-congress http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/958/gillard-lauds-free-trade-in-address-to-us-congress Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke of the benefits of free trade, during her overnight address to the US Congress. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:26:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/957/weed-warning-for-farmers-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/957/weed-warning-for-farmers-nz One of the USA’s worst weeds has been found in a New Zealand maize crop. Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) has recently been identified in a Waikato maize crop and in feed-out lines from silage coming from this site. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:25:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/956/thats-m-for-magnificent-csiro-at-the-core-of-new-table-grape-release http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/956/thats-m-for-magnificent-csiro-at-the-core-of-new-table-grape-release CSIRO has released its new table grape variety M 44-14 in conjunction with the Australian grape industry. Bred over twenty years, this important variety offers growers a high quality, late season option that is suitable for many grape-growing regions of Australia. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:24:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/969/pma-a-nz-heading-to-deakin-uni-career-fair http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/969/pma-a-nz-heading-to-deakin-uni-career-fair Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:54:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/955/using-science-to-feed-the-future-australia-and-china-join-forces http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/955/using-science-to-feed-the-future-australia-and-china-join-forces CSIRO is partnering with China's leading research agency to develop solutions and partnerships that will bring benefits to millions of people in China and around the world. CSIRO is teaming up with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to tackle food security. View article... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:23:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/954/au-banana-prices-bend-up-as-cyclone-shortage-hits http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/954/au-banana-prices-bend-up-as-cyclone-shortage-hits Several greengrocers surveyed by The Age reported a spike yesterday in the wholesale cost of bananas, leading them to significantly increase their prices. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:25:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/953/au-vegetable-thieves-strike-again http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/953/au-vegetable-thieves-strike-again Vegetable thieves have pilfered a tonne of tomatoes from an Adelaide glasshouse. Burglars broke into the glasshouse at Virginia, in Adelaide's north, this week and stole up to 1000kg of tomatoes valued at $4000, police said on Friday. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:24:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/952/govt-looks-into-kiwifruit-disease-concerns http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/952/govt-looks-into-kiwifruit-disease-concerns Biosecurity Minister David Carter says the Ministry of Agriculture is looking into a call from kiwifruit growers for a moratorium on orchard "chainsaw massacres'' by the organisation fighting PSA disease in the $1 billion export industry. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:21:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/951/global-food-demand-good-for-us http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/951/global-food-demand-good-for-us Former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Morgan Williams says there needs to be some major shifts for farmers to take advantage of the world's growing demand for food. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:20:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/950/hay-grower-swaps-vegies-for-cotton http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/950/hay-grower-swaps-vegies-for-cotton A Western Riverina vegetable grower who employs 28 people is pulling out of the industry, saying it is no longer profitable. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:19:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/949/its-pouring-in-broken-hill http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/949/its-pouring-in-broken-hill More rain has fallen in Far West NSW, continuing a wet start to the year. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:18:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/948/more-frustration-for-north-queensland-as-floods-isolate-farms http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/948/more-frustration-for-north-queensland-as-floods-isolate-farms Farms in parts of North Queensland that were devastated by Cyclone Yasi last month are now being isolated by flooding. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:17:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/947/new-positions-will-help-recovery-after-yasi http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/947/new-positions-will-help-recovery-after-yasi The Queensland Government and agricultural industry groups have chipped in to co-fund 12 new recovery officer positions to help people rebuild after Cyclone Yasi. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:17:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/946/vegie-growers-under-pressure http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/946/vegie-growers-under-pressure The outback town of Hay in south west New South Wales is losing its largest private employer to the cotton industry. View article... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:15:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/945/marvellous-mango-crop-near-perth http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/945/marvellous-mango-crop-near-perth Western Australia's southernmost mango growers have harvested their best crops in four years. View article... Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:28:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/944/avos-back-in-action http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/944/avos-back-in-action The avocado industry is recovering after summer floods and cyclones put immense pressure on supply and quality. View article... Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:18:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/943/vegie-grower-attacks-supermarket-pricing-policies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/943/vegie-grower-attacks-supermarket-pricing-policies Vegetable growers in regional towns say they're finding it increasingly difficult to survive on low prices set by major supermarkets. View article... Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:17:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/942/kiwi-industry-scraps-20m-plan-to-purge-vines http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/942/kiwi-industry-scraps-20m-plan-to-purge-vines The kiwifruit industry has abandoned a $20 million plan to cut out 200 hectares of vines to try to contain the spread of the potentially devastating disease PSA and is instead focusing its efforts on just gold kiwifruit. View article... Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:20:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/941/farmers-demand-inquiry-into-supermarket-pricing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/941/farmers-demand-inquiry-into-supermarket-pricing The National Farmers Federation wants a full inquiry into supermarket pricing. View article... Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:15:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/940/industries-coordinate-for-recovery http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/940/industries-coordinate-for-recovery Industry associations are working towards further coordination of the Christchurch relief operation. View article... Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:14:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/939/farmers-markets-will-give-locals-chance-of-fresh-food http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/939/farmers-markets-will-give-locals-chance-of-fresh-food Farmers' markets, which have come to symbolise community resilience in the aftermath of global disasters, will offer traumatised Christchurch residents an opportunity to gather and comfort each other and buy fresh food. View article... Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:13:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/938/death-of-the-amain-grocery-buyera http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/938/death-of-the-amain-grocery-buyera Just because 75% of grocery shoppers in the two majors are female doesn’t mean you should treat them all the same, argues Norrelle Goldring. For Retail World Magazine. View articles... Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:06:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/937/strong-dollar-takes-toll-on-agribusiness http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/937/strong-dollar-takes-toll-on-agribusiness The South Australian Farmers Federation says a new survey shows the negative impact the high Australian dollar is having on businesses dependent on farming. View article... Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:05:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/936/farmers-urged-not-to-neglect-liming-of-acidic-soils-to-raise-ph-levels http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/936/farmers-urged-not-to-neglect-liming-of-acidic-soils-to-raise-ph-levels Despite tighter farming budgets this year, WA farmers are being urged not to neglect applying lime to acidic soils to raise soil ph. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:58:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/935/virus-hits-brassica-plants http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/935/virus-hits-brassica-plants A virus new to south-west Western Australia is suspected to be affecting cauliflower and broccoli crops around Manjimup. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:51:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/934/tasmanian-vegetable-growers-look-to-us-markets http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/934/tasmanian-vegetable-growers-look-to-us-markets The United States is forecast to import $31 billion worth of vegetables from overseas this year. And Tasmanian farmers would love to have just a tiny slice of that. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:12:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/933/coles-denies-adverse-impacts-on-australian-suppliers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/933/coles-denies-adverse-impacts-on-australian-suppliers At a breakfast presentation to the Rural Press Club of Victoria in Melbourne on 3 March 2011, John Durkan, the national merchandising director of Coles Supermarkets, stated that Coles “Down Down” campaign would not adversely impact the farm gate prices for milk to dairy farmers. However he conceded that... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:06:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/932/flood-hit-farmers-quizzed-about-recovery-plans http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/932/flood-hit-farmers-quizzed-about-recovery-plans The Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies, Tim Mulherin, has visited flood affected primary producers in Bundaberg and Maryborough in the state's southern region. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:05:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/931/nz-bumper-tomato-crop-for-processing-at-watties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/931/nz-bumper-tomato-crop-for-processing-at-watties Harvesters are working hard to bring in this year's bumper tomato crop for processing at Wattie's. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:41:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/930/au-avocado-grower-tipping-bumper-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/930/au-avocado-grower-tipping-bumper-crop Wet and humid weather across South Australia in recent weeks has helped this year's avocado harvest. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:40:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/929/nz-nervous-watch-on-australia-fruit-fly-outbreaks http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/929/nz-nervous-watch-on-australia-fruit-fly-outbreaks The horticulture industry is keeping a nervous watch on fresh outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly in some of Australia's fruit production areas. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:40:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/928/citrus-australia-and-the-melbourne-citrus-committee-form-partnership http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/928/citrus-australia-and-the-melbourne-citrus-committee-form-partnership An historic partnership has been announced between Citrus Australia and the Melbourne Citrus Committee, with the two organisations joining forces to promote Australian grown mandarins. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:39:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/927/au-bats-will-eat-fruit-crops-farmers-say http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/927/au-bats-will-eat-fruit-crops-farmers-say Farmers say a massive colony of flying foxes set to be turfed out of Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens will migrate to nearby fruit farms and devour entire crops. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:38:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/926/nz-tg-announces-blueberry-development-as-it-launches-enzabluea http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/926/nz-tg-announces-blueberry-development-as-it-launches-enzabluea Turners & Growers, New Zealand distributor, marketer and exporter of premium fresh produce is focused on growing the size of the blueberry market here and internationally by extending the selling season with four new blueberry varieties from the Plant and Food Research breeding program. View article... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:37:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/925/crisp-market-for-nz-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/925/crisp-market-for-nz-apples The harvest of New Zealand apples is well underway and according to Pipfruit New Zealand the fruit should arrive in a market that has little overhang of Northern Hemisphere fruit. Stocks in Europe are down on past years but high prices arekeeping the market balanced. Meanwhile in the USA stocks are also..... ... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:36:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/924/south-island-field-days-will-go-ahead http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/924/south-island-field-days-will-go-ahead The South Island’s largest field days, the South Island Agricultural Field Days, will run from 30 March-1 April, 2011 at Lincoln. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:24:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/923/farmers-struggle-with-murray-river-seepage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/923/farmers-struggle-with-murray-river-seepage Farmers below Lock One on the River Murray, in South Australia, are dealing with excess water on their land. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:19:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/922/costco-net-income-up-in-q2 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/922/costco-net-income-up-in-q2 Costco recorded a rise in second-quarter net income as the US warehouse club’s results were boosted by strong sales and higher gas prices. The chain said yesterday that net income rose 16% to reach US$348m for the quarter ended 13 February, while net sales rose 11.4% to $20.45bn. Excluding the impact of... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:18:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/921/metcash-lowers-full-year-forecast http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/921/metcash-lowers-full-year-forecast Grocery wholesaler Metcash has reduced its 2011 full-year earnings guidance on the back of difficult trading conditions. The company yesterday cut its earnings growth to between 3% to 5%, down on the previously forecast 6% to 8%. The reduced forecast was based on continuing food and liquor price deflation... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:17:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/920/pollies-get-rotten-fruit-in-bat-protest http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/920/pollies-get-rotten-fruit-in-bat-protest A farmers protest today in NSW is highlighting the plight of growers left with spoilt and bitten fruit by flying fox attacks. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:17:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/919/more-almonds-available-as-trees-mature http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/919/more-almonds-available-as-trees-mature Almond production in Australia is set to increase by 18 per cent this year. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:16:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/918/abares-makes-worst-case-scenario-estimate-of-murray-darling-job-losses http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/918/abares-makes-worst-case-scenario-estimate-of-murray-darling-job-losses The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences says up to 5000 jobs could be lost initially as a result of proposed cuts to water entitlements in the Murray-Darling Basin. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:15:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/917/spur-throated-locusts-attack-victoria http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/917/spur-throated-locusts-attack-victoria Large numbers of spur-throated locusts have been found in Victoria for the first time. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:15:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/916/fed-up-with-banana-prices-peel-a-pear-instead http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/916/fed-up-with-banana-prices-peel-a-pear-instead The nation's pear industry is having its best season in 12 years rains create ideal growing conditions across Victoria, which produces 90 per cent of Australia's crop. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:14:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/915/mccain-urged-to-chip-in-more-for-potato-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/915/mccain-urged-to-chip-in-more-for-potato-growers McCain Foods is being urged to follow the lead of a Tasmanian potato processor by increasing prices for Ballarat growers. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:13:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/914/commodity-exports-dented-by-earthquake http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/914/commodity-exports-dented-by-earthquake Forward indicators were pointing to an upturn for the New Zealand economy until the Christchurch earthquake, according to the BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the March quarter 2011. View article... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:36:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/913/vii-world-avocado-congress-planning-afull-steam-aheada http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/913/vii-world-avocado-congress-planning-afull-steam-aheada Planning is ‘full steam ahead’ for the World Avocado Congress 2011, the premier event on the world avocado calendar. Held every four years this amazing event is the only place where the world wide avocado industry comes together to meet, share and discuss all there is to know about the avocado industry... Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:03:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/912/buderim-ginger-books-loss http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/912/buderim-ginger-books-loss Buderim Ginger Limited yesterday announced an after-tax loss of $2.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2010. View article... Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:24:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/911/early-start-to-harvest-hits-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/911/early-start-to-harvest-hits-growers A quick and early start to the Nelson pipfruit harvest has left some orchardists scrambling to find enough pickers, but most seem to have hired enough staff to pick what will be a full crop. View article... Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:23:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/910/pm-releases-initial-earthquake-assistance-package http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/910/pm-releases-initial-earthquake-assistance-package Prime Minister John Key today announced an initial support package for Christchurch businesses and workers affected by last week's major earthquake. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:00:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/909/agriculture-minister-praises-farmer-volunteers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/909/agriculture-minister-praises-farmer-volunteers The arrival of hundreds of farmers over the weekend to help in Christchurch is a huge boost to the earthquake cleanup, says Agriculture Minister David Carter. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:59:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/908/just-the-start-as-farmers-and-volunteers-plough-into-earthquake-cleanup http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/908/just-the-start-as-farmers-and-volunteers-plough-into-earthquake-cleanup To assist with the Christchurch cleanup, Federated Farmers has organised well over 300 farmers and urban residents to work in the St Martins and St Albans areas. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:58:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/907/high-dollar-export-prices-up-in-strengthening-aus-economy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/907/high-dollar-export-prices-up-in-strengthening-aus-economy Extreme weather has cut agricultural and mining production by about $5 billion, according to ABARES. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:58:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/906/prices-go-bananas-but-it-could-have-been-worse http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/906/prices-go-bananas-but-it-could-have-been-worse Rain though late November, mid-December and January, caused billions of dollars of damage to Australian agriculture, along with Cyclone Yasi. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:57:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/905/agricultures-billions-just-the-shot-in-the-arm http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/905/agricultures-billions-just-the-shot-in-the-arm It can be of no comfort to Christchurch's shattered earthquake survivors, but to the rest of the country it is of some relief that farming is experiencing a purple patch at the moment. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:55:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/904/australian-auspak-avocados-ready-for-a-bumper-export-season http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/904/australian-auspak-avocados-ready-for-a-bumper-export-season Despite the recent and severe weather events that have occurred across Australia, “the supply and internal quality of Australian avocados is still in excellent condition” comments Mr Louis Grey, General Manager of the Australian Export Company (AEC), trading as „Auspak Avocados‟. View... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:29:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/903/first-apples-picked-please-central-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/903/first-apples-picked-please-central-growers The fruit season in Central Otago's Teviot Valley shifted gear on the weekend as summer fruit was replaced by the apple harvest. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:23:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/902/turners-growers-fy-profit-drops-34-on-tax-expense http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/902/turners-growers-fy-profit-drops-34-on-tax-expense Turners & Growers Ltd., the fruit and vegetable exporter controlled by Guinness Peat Group, posted a 34% drop in full-year profit after a tax expense that wiped out growth in operating earnings. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:21:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/901/fertile-penrith-patch-produces-twin-cucumbers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/901/fertile-penrith-patch-produces-twin-cucumbers It was probably something in the soil that did it. Johan Optlan, 79, of Penrith, and his wife Nelly plucked a “twocumber” from their backyard vegetable patch recently. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:20:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/900/fruitfly-reaches-wa-from-qlnd http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/900/fruitfly-reaches-wa-from-qlnd There's been an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly in Western Australia. The Department of Agriculture and Food is on alert after a female fruit fly was trapped in a Perth suburb last week. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:19:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/899/nz-harvest-fresh-establishes-exclusive-partnership-with-pypers-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/899/nz-harvest-fresh-establishes-exclusive-partnership-with-pypers-produce Harvest Fresh, a Global Fresh Produce Exporter based in Kumeu, New Zealand, has established an exclusive partnership with Pypers Produce for their export carrot supply. As a result, Harvest Fresh now markets 100% of Pypers Annual Carrot Exports. View article... Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:17:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/898/woolies-plays-down-ceo-exit-talk http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/898/woolies-plays-down-ceo-exit-talk Woolworths Ltd has once again played down speculation that its chief executive Michael Luscombe is preparing to stand down from his post.Reports have dogged Woolworths over the past month that Luscombe is looking to retire. In an interview at the beginning of February, Luscombe noted that “all of us will... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:29:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/897/woolworths-h1-profits-meet-lowered-target http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/897/woolworths-h1-profits-meet-lowered-target Woolworths Ltd, Australia’s largest retailer, booked a 6% rise in half-year profits on Friday, hitting the top end of a forecast it lowered last month.The company posted net profit after tax of $1.16 billion for the 27 weeks to 2 January. Last month, Woolworths cut its profit growth target for the first half... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:28:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/896/research-body-criticised-for-ignoring-bush-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/896/research-body-criticised-for-ignoring-bush-fruit A Northern Territory horticulturist says the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation should support commercial trials of Kakadu plums. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:19:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/895/dramatic-summer-comes-to-an-end-for-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/895/dramatic-summer-comes-to-an-end-for-growers As February comes to an end, it's been a very costly summer for the nation's farmers. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:58:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/894/pre-packed-food http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/894/pre-packed-food The popularity of pre-packed foods is rising fast according to experts, but consumers are paying excessively for the convenience say critics. "Consumers can pay up to 10 times more for a product in the name of convenience. It's simply a rip off." Says Professor Frank Zumbo, Economics Law... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:06:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/893/would-you-like-a-tomato-with-that http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/893/would-you-like-a-tomato-with-that Lettuce and tomatoes have recently become a luxury in some restaurant chains as bad weather in Florida and Mexico have set the global supply chain askew. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:05:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/892/fruit-prices-forced-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/892/fruit-prices-forced-up THE spate of natural disasters around the country is making it harder for households to include staple food items such as bananas in their shopping trolley. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:01:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/891/magpie-geese-destroy-potato-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/891/magpie-geese-destroy-potato-crop Fruit and vegie growers in Darwin's rural area have copped a flogging in the last month with massive rainfalls. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/890/first-apples-picked-please-central-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/890/first-apples-picked-please-central-growers The fruit season in Central Otago's Teviot Valley shifted gear on the weekend as summer fruit was replaced by the apple harvest. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:58:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/889/program-launched-to-help-farmers-clean-up-after-cyclone http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/889/program-launched-to-help-farmers-clean-up-after-cyclone The Queensland Government has launched Operation Clean Up, a program to help cyclone-affected farmers tidy up their properties. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:09:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/888/drought-aid-dries-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/888/drought-aid-dries-up Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig says Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought help is ending in Victoria because of improved conditions. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:09:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/887/farmers-keen-to-help-out http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/887/farmers-keen-to-help-out Farmers who bore much of the brunt of the last major Canterbury earthquake are returning the generosity they were offered by city folk. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:08:07 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/886/sunraysia-looks-at-exporting-table-grapes-to-china http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/886/sunraysia-looks-at-exporting-table-grapes-to-china Sunraysia table grape growers seeking to learn more about future export opportunities in China are invited to join industry experts at seminars being held in Mildura and Robinvale next week. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:30:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/885/floods-destroy-potato-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/885/floods-destroy-potato-crops HOT chips could be in short supply this year after floods devastated potato-growing regions in four states. View article... Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:29:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/884/coles-earnings-up-on-turnaround-program http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/884/coles-earnings-up-on-turnaround-program Wesfarmers has seen earnings in its its food retail division rise as it works to implement its turnaround strategy. Coles said that for the half ended 2 January, EBIT was up 18.3% to $575 million , while revenue grew 5.9% to $16.06 billion. Wesfarmers’ food and liquor division recorded a 22.1% rise in EBIT to... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:04:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/883/another-fruit-fly-found-in-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/883/another-fruit-fly-found-in-tasmania A second fruit fly has been found in the Tasmanian capital, Hobart. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:03:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/882/simplot-gives-pay-rise-to-floor-stricken-potato-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/882/simplot-gives-pay-rise-to-floor-stricken-potato-growers Tasmanian potato growers and their processor Simplot have negotiated a 13 per cent price increase to help farmers recover from floods. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:01:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/881/apple-prices-looking-rosy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/881/apple-prices-looking-rosy Apple producers are getting three times the price they were getting last year for their produce. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:00:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/880/tasmanian-apple-growers-look-to-new-zealands-worlds-best-practice http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/880/tasmanian-apple-growers-look-to-new-zealands-worlds-best-practice Tasmanian apple growers have been investigating apple technology and practices this week, part of an "building resilient farms in time of change" project. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:16:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/879/apple-orchards-prepare-to-battle-the-bats http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/879/apple-orchards-prepare-to-battle-the-bats Apple growers in south-west NSW are being warned to prepare for flying foxes during harvest. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:09:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/878/supporting-christchurch-with-fresh-water http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/878/supporting-christchurch-with-fresh-water Federated Farmers continues to work with independent contractors and Fonterra Cooperative Group to bring 335,000 litres of water into the city. Silver Fern Farms has further added a major water reservoir at its Islington plant. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:08:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/877/australian-farm-production-to-hit-452bn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/877/australian-farm-production-to-hit-452bn High global prices are expected to cushion the blow to agricultural production from Australia's wet and wild summer. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:07:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/876/australia-bananas-to-recover-quickly http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/876/australia-bananas-to-recover-quickly Banana prices, which have risen because of crop devastation caused by Cyclone Yasi, will not stay high for long because of lessons learned by progressive farmers when Cyclone Larry caused similar havoc in 2006. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:04:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/875/inland-farmers-get-cyclone-aid-lifeline http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/875/inland-farmers-get-cyclone-aid-lifeline The Federal Government has announced an extension of support to cyclone-affected communities in inland Queensland. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:01:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/874/emergency-meeting-of-ceos-govt-on-earthquake-response http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/874/emergency-meeting-of-ceos-govt-on-earthquake-response CEOs of 50 leading New Zealand companies developed a Steering Group to co-ordinate private sector support for Christchurch following this week's devastating earthquake. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:49:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/873/nz-tg-takes-over-nelson-orchard http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/873/nz-tg-takes-over-nelson-orchard Pipfruit grower and marketer Turners & Growers Ltd. is to purchase the remaining shares it does not already own in a major orcharding operation at Riwaka, near Nelson. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:58:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/872/au-farmers-struggle-with-crops-after-heavy-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/872/au-farmers-struggle-with-crops-after-heavy-rain Farmers in the Darwin River region are struggling to recover crops after huge rainfalls in the past month, a fruit grower says. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:57:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/871/strawberry-hoogstraten-to-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/871/strawberry-hoogstraten-to-australia The biggest strawberry from Veiling Hoogstraten, Belgium departs for Australia. The hotair balloon of the auction house in the shape of a strawberry can be seen in the capital of Australia, Canberra from 12 to 20 March inclusive. View article... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:55:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/870/onions-get-soggy-from-nsw-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/870/onions-get-soggy-from-nsw-rain Vegetable production in south-west NSW has taken a hit from the relentless wet weather. View article... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:49:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/869/more-rain-forecast-for-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/869/more-rain-forecast-for-queensland The weather bureau is predicting a wet autumn for much of flood affected southern and central Queensland. View article... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:48:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/868/agforce-questions-farm-cyclone-grants http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/868/agforce-questions-farm-cyclone-grants Rural lobby group AgForce says an extension of disaster relief funding for cyclone affected graziers in north Queensland does not go far enough. View article... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:47:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/867/bundaberg-port-getting-back-to-normal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/867/bundaberg-port-getting-back-to-normal The south-east Queensland port of Bundaberg could return to normal operations as early as next week. View article... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:46:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/866/fertiliser-company-hit-by-quake http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/866/fertiliser-company-hit-by-quake Fertiliser supplier Ravensdown says the Christchurch earthquake has caused a fair amount of destruction to its business. View article... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:46:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/865/avocados-aspotteda-on-shelf http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/865/avocados-aspotteda-on-shelf Australian Avocados have been dealt a heavy blow by Cyclone Yasi, with 20% of the crop in North Queensland destroyed and a further 30 - 40% inflicted with scratches and blemishes to the skin. As cyclone affected, ‘spotty’ avocados reach supermarket shelves this week, consumers are encouraged to look... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:23:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/864/canterbury-earthquake-wednesday-update http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/864/canterbury-earthquake-wednesday-update While rural Banks Peninsula has suffered some damage, this pales beside Christchurch. Federated Farmers is now focusing its efforts to support urban residents. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:03:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/863/sa-olive-crop-will-pip-previous-harvests http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/863/sa-olive-crop-will-pip-previous-harvests South Australian olive growers are excited about the prospect of a record crop this harvest, in both yield and quality. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:21:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/862/disease-threat-as-apple-industry-gears-up-for-more-apple-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/862/disease-threat-as-apple-industry-gears-up-for-more-apple-imports Apple grower Peter Darley has dismissed as ‘politicking’ the statements made by prime minister Julia Gillard about allowing New Zealand apples into Australia. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:49:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/861/fruit-flies-add-to-growers-woes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/861/fruit-flies-add-to-growers-woes VICTORIAN fruit growers are being disrupted by a series of outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly, with this summer potentially the worst season for the pest since records began 64 years ago. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:48:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/860/australian-farm-production-to-hit-452bn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/860/australian-farm-production-to-hit-452bn High global prices are expected to cushion the blow to agricultural production from Australia's wet and wild summer. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:46:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/859/achacha-first-time-in-europe http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/859/achacha-first-time-in-europe The Achacha made its European debut at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, 9-11 February 2011, as part of the Horticulture Australia stand. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:44:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/858/au-berryexchange-give-exclusive-blueberry-genetics-license-to-driscollas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/858/au-berryexchange-give-exclusive-blueberry-genetics-license-to-driscollas BerryExchange, one of the six divisions of CostaExchange, Australia’s largest grower, packer and shipper of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries are the leading product for BerryExchange. The company is licensing their blueberry genetics, strategically, worldwide. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:42:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/857/nz-new-apple-variety-premier-star http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/857/nz-new-apple-variety-premier-star In Nelson and Hawkes bay, New Zealand, 25,000 trees are good for 54 tonnes of Premier star apples. This new variety has a bright glowing red block colour and has a balanced flavour of sweetness at the first bite and a zingy tartness lingering on the palate. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:41:07 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/856/help-available-to-christchurch-people http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/856/help-available-to-christchurch-people Assistance for Cantabrians is available now and all possible help will be offered to those in need says Social Development Minister. View article... Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:39:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/855/we-may-be-witnessing-new-zealands-darkest-day-pm-says-65-killed-in-quake http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/855/we-may-be-witnessing-new-zealands-darkest-day-pm-says-65-killed-in-quake New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says 65 people died in the earthquake that devastated Christchurch today. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:03:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/854/no-more-fruit-flies-found-in-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/854/no-more-fruit-flies-found-in-tasmania Increased trapping and inspections have failed to detect any more fruit flies in Hobart's northern suburbs. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:03:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/853/canterbury-earthquake-heres-help http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/853/canterbury-earthquake-heres-help Federated Farmers has swung into action following today's devastating earthquake in Canterbury. Here's some information, phone humbers, emails, etc, that farmers can use to seek assistance. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:09:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/852/survey-finds-farmers-keen-to-be-more-sustainable http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/852/survey-finds-farmers-keen-to-be-more-sustainable A survey of 4,000 farmers on climate change adaptation has revealed 80 per cent want to be more sustainable. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:38:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/851/deaths-confirmed-as-huge-quake-hits-christchurch http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/851/deaths-confirmed-as-huge-quake-hits-christchurch A huge 6.3 earthquake has hit the New Zealand city of Christchurch again, causing some deaths and widespread destruction. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:24:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/850/major-quake-hits-christchurch http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/850/major-quake-hits-christchurch A powerful earthquake has struck the New Zealand city of Christchurch bringing down buildings and buckling roads, with reports of serious injuries. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:14:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/849/outcomes-for-3bn-vegetable-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/849/outcomes-for-3bn-vegetable-industry ABARES tracks financial outcomes for our $3bn vegetable-growing industry The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has begun a survey, which will help the nation’s more than $3 billion vegetable-growing industry plan for the future. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:23:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/848/now-the-big-tomato-glasshouse-covers-17ha http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/848/now-the-big-tomato-glasshouse-covers-17ha A $65 million glasshouse in SA will be able to produce 10 million kilograms of tomatoes annually. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:21:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/847/rains-good-for-summer-crops-despite-cyclone-damage-abares http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/847/rains-good-for-summer-crops-despite-cyclone-damage-abares The nation's commodity forecaster expects Cyclone Yasi to wipe about $300 million from agricultural production. View article... Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:20:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/846/federal-government-wont-say-where-chinese-apples-are-on-sale http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/846/federal-government-wont-say-where-chinese-apples-are-on-sale About 24 tonnes of Chinese apples have arrived in Australia, but where they're being sold is "commercial in confidence". View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:35:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/845/local-costco-outsells-us-shops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/845/local-costco-outsells-us-shops US discount retailer Costco's beachhead in Australia, its warehouse-style store in Melbourne's Docklands, is generating more sales than the average North American Costco. View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:20:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/844/stone-fruit-rots-in-victoria http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/844/stone-fruit-rots-in-victoria Stone fruit growers in north-west Victoria have lost thousands of production trees to flooding, and now brown rot is wiping out their remaining crops. View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:59:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/843/water-assured-for-southern-nsw-irrigators http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/843/water-assured-for-southern-nsw-irrigators Irrigators in Southern NSW have been assured of opening allocations next season. View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:00:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/842/nz-businesses-awards-give-rural-women-entrepreneurs-a-boost http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/842/nz-businesses-awards-give-rural-women-entrepreneurs-a-boost With the 18 March entry deadline looming, women running small rural businesses are being encouraged to enter the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award 2011. View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:59:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/841/qff-welcomes-water-buyback-changes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/841/qff-welcomes-water-buyback-changes The Queensland Farmers Federation says changes to the Murray-Darling Basin water buyback program are a positive move. View article... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:58:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/840/rebuilding-the-far-north-after-yasi http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/840/rebuilding-the-far-north-after-yasi Joint media release Acting Prime Minister, Treasurer the Hon. Wayne Swan MP Premier of Queensland the Hon. Anna Bligh MP Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on Queensland Floods Recovery, Minster for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator for Queensland the Hon. Joe Ludwig Acting Prime... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:58:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/839/a-sustainable-australian-avocado-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/839/a-sustainable-australian-avocado-industry An increase in public awareness and concern for the environment has led to a significant increase in consumer demand for ‘safer’ food and more environmentally sensitive production methods. Australian avocado growers recognise that to remain competitive they must meet consumer expectations, in addition... Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:53:07 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/838/fruit-fly-detection-in-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/838/fruit-fly-detection-in-tasmania A fruit fly detection in northern Tasmania has sparked a large trapping programme in the Australian state’s capital. View article... Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:48:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/837/high-hopes-for-grape-with-no-name http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/837/high-hopes-for-grape-with-no-name Western Australian grape farmers will soon have the chance to grow a brand new variety of white table grape. View article... Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:42:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/836/high-food-prices-could-be-costly-for-health http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/836/high-food-prices-could-be-costly-for-health Nutritionists warn the high fruit and vegetable prices could be affecting our health. View article... Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:39:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/835/the-news-nz-apple-growers-have-been-waiting-for http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/835/the-news-nz-apple-growers-have-been-waiting-for Labour is celebrating the announcement by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard that it will adhere to a World Trade Organisation ruling and allow New Zealand apples to be sold in Australia, Agriculture spokesman Damien O’Connor says. View article... Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:23:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/834/gillard-visits-banana-farms-to-promote-cyclone-aid-package http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/834/gillard-visits-banana-farms-to-promote-cyclone-aid-package Prime Minister Julia Gillard has visited banana farms in far north Queensland to try to sell her new cyclone assistance measures. View article... Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:22:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/833/farmers-furious-over-apple-deal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/833/farmers-furious-over-apple-deal An announcement that Australia has accepted a World Trade Organisation order to drop restrictions on New Zealand apples and pears has angered fruit growers. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:15:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/832/nz-psa-focus-on-gold http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/832/nz-psa-focus-on-gold New Zealand’s research-heavy kiwifruit canker management efforts are focusing on the gold variety. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:51:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/831/prune-growers-sour-about-the-dollar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/831/prune-growers-sour-about-the-dollar Prune growers in NSW are the next to fall victim to cheap imports and the high Australian dollar. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:48:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/830/funds-cut-for-hortnz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/830/funds-cut-for-hortnz Horticulture New Zealand has restructured and cut back on policy and research programmes following a funding cut View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:09:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/829/6-months-on-fresh-connections-2011-to-spotlight-resilience-of-australasian-produce-community http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/829/6-months-on-fresh-connections-2011-to-spotlight-resilience-of-australasian-produce-community The fresh produce industry in both Australia and New Zealand has been hit hard by recent unprecedented natural disasters, but hardest-hit Queensland is set to host international fruit and vegetable event Fresh Connections 2011 on 8-10 June to showcase to the region and the world just how resilient the Australasian... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:01:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/828/discuss-retirement-openly-with-children-says-succession-planner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/828/discuss-retirement-openly-with-children-says-succession-planner A succession planner says younger generations need to be involved in the management of family farms early on to keep them interested. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:58:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/827/farmers-plead-for-ec-aid-to-stay http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/827/farmers-plead-for-ec-aid-to-stay Struggling farmers in south-east NSW are trying to show why they should keep getting Exceptional Circumstances aid even though the drought is over. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:57:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/826/la-nina-fading-but-not-gone http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/826/la-nina-fading-but-not-gone The La Nina weather pattern that's brought Cyclone Yasi, and flooding in Victoria and Queensland, is weakening. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:57:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/825/youth-farm-crisis-will-hit-australias-food-supply-experts-warn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/825/youth-farm-crisis-will-hit-australias-food-supply-experts-warn AS country youth turns away from the economic uncertainty of farming, experts warn that the result will be a national crisis of food shortages and inflated prices. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:45:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/824/huge-expansion-to-mushroom-empire http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/824/huge-expansion-to-mushroom-empire Meadow Mushrooms co-founder and former National Government minister Philip Burdon urged businesses to strive for international standards despite our comfortable isolation from world markets. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:32:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/823/call-for-submissions-on-food-standards-code-applications http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/823/call-for-submissions-on-food-standards-code-applications Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) invited submissions on a number of proposed changes to the Food Standards Code. View article... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:29:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/822/information-on-crop-recovery-after-wet-weather-and-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/822/information-on-crop-recovery-after-wet-weather-and-floods If your crops and cropping land have been affected by floods, it is essential that you take steps as soon as possible to manage crop recovery and minimise the extent of the damage. View information & fact sheets Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:30:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/821/australia-accepts-wto-apples-decision http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/821/australia-accepts-wto-apples-decision Australia will accept the World Trade Organisation's decision to allow New Zealand apples to be exported there, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:29:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/820/apple-producers-form-global-alliance http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/820/apple-producers-form-global-alliance The creation of the International Pome Fruit Alliance marks "beginning of a new era in varietal development", group says View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:28:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/819/food-price-rises-push-more-people-into-poverty http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/819/food-price-rises-push-more-people-into-poverty The World Bank says rising food prices have pushed an extra 44 million people into poverty since last June. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:27:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/818/nz-parliament-hails-apple-import-decision http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/818/nz-parliament-hails-apple-import-decision The New Zealand Parliament burst into applause today in response to Prime Minister Julia Gillard's acceptance of the World Trade Organisation's ruling on apple imports. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:27:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/817/more-aid-for-cyclone-victims http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/817/more-aid-for-cyclone-victims The Federal and Queensland Governments have announced further assistance for communities devastated by Cyclone Yasi. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:26:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/816/meeting-to-combat-fruit-fly-on-the-murray http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/816/meeting-to-combat-fruit-fly-on-the-murray A cross-border fruit fly committee has met to discuss the worsening fruit fly situation in Victoria and NSW. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:25:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/815/monsanto-keeps-its-distance-from-legal-action-on-gm-contamination http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/815/monsanto-keeps-its-distance-from-legal-action-on-gm-contamination Biotechnology giant Monsanto says it won't financially support any legal action in the case of GM contamination of an organic farm in Western Australia. View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:25:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/814/fingerlimes-named-flia-winner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/814/fingerlimes-named-flia-winner Limeburst Fingerlimes are voted as the winner of the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2011 in Berlin View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:24:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/813/enza-lands-german-marketing-award http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/813/enza-lands-german-marketing-award Belgium-based Enza Continent has been recognised for its marketing and promotion of Jazz apples in Germany View article... Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:22:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/812/report-suggests-agri-tourism-is-bringing-city-and-country-together http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/812/report-suggests-agri-tourism-is-bringing-city-and-country-together Rural recovery and economic growth are highlighted as strengths of successful agri-tourism, in a national report by the Bureau of Rural Science. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:20:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/811/olive-industry-considers-compulsory-research-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/811/olive-industry-considers-compulsory-research-levy The olive industry says it needs all growers to pay a levy to fund research projects, and it's beginning a round of meetings across the country today at Tamworth in northern NSW. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:22:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/810/applications-open-for-climate-change-research-grants http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/810/applications-open-for-climate-change-research-grants Applications are open for research grants to look at the effects of climate change on agriculture. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:21:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/809/au-carrots-top-the-class http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/809/au-carrots-top-the-class When it comes to veggies the children at Lismore Preschool Kindergarten agree: carrots rule. And it seems they are not the only ones who love the orange root vegetable. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:56:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/808/rain-hits-cherry-premiums http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/808/rain-hits-cherry-premiums CHERRY growers in one of Australia's biggest growing regions may be forced to replant parts of their orchards due to summer rain. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:31:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/807/au-avocado-industry-green-by-nature http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/807/au-avocado-industry-green-by-nature An environmental investigation into the avocado industry proves that it’s not just the avocados that are green. “The Australian avocado industry understands and actively implements environmentally friendly agricultural practices” says Antony Allen, CEO of Avocados Australia, and confirmed in... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:27:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/806/australia-should-prepare-for-devastating-citrus-disease-senate-inquiry-told http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/806/australia-should-prepare-for-devastating-citrus-disease-senate-inquiry-told Riverina Citrus has told a Senate inquiry that the Australian citrus industry will be devastated unless a comprehensive program is prepared for the plant disease known as Citrus Greening entering the country. The Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport is inquiring into biosecurity... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:23:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/805/au-reduced-plant-disease-boosts-greenhouse-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/805/au-reduced-plant-disease-boosts-greenhouse-crops A sustainable approach to disease management is delivering better results for South Australian greenhouse cucumber and capsicum crops growers. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:19:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/804/au-banana-growers-warned-of-disease-threat http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/804/au-banana-growers-warned-of-disease-threat Queensland banana growers are being warned of a serious threat to their industry - one greater than crop-flattening Cyclone Yasi that tore through plantations earlier this month. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:18:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/803/south-australia-steps-up-fruit-fly-preventative-measures http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/803/south-australia-steps-up-fruit-fly-preventative-measures Portable signs are being set up along South Australia's eastern border and authorities are considering increasing random road checks in an effort to prevent the spread of fruit fly. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:16:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/802/nz-challenging-year-for-exports-expected-by-zespri http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/802/nz-challenging-year-for-exports-expected-by-zespri Zespri predicts it will be another challenging year for fruit exporters to compete in markets that are still feeling the after-shocks of the world recession. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:15:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/801/nz-enza-wins-top-german-marketing-award-for-jazza-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/801/nz-enza-wins-top-german-marketing-award-for-jazza-apples ENZA Continent has been named best marketers in the German fresh produce industry for its marketing and promotion of JAZZ™ apples in 2010. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:12:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/800/innovation-of-the-year-australian-citrus-caviar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/800/innovation-of-the-year-australian-citrus-caviar The winner of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA) 2011 was chosen by the international industry experts. This year's award was presented for the citrus fruit Limeburst Fingerlimes (Finger Limeing Good, Australia). The finger lime is unique in that its juice is contained in vesicles similar to caviar... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:05:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/799/japan-and-australia-to-talk-trade-amid-farm-sector-row http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/799/japan-and-australia-to-talk-trade-amid-farm-sector-row Japan and Australia will hold talks in Tokyo on Monday aimed at securing Japan's first free-trade agreement with a major agricultural exporter. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:40:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/798/five-countries-unite-under-international-pome-fruit-alliance-in-berlin http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/798/five-countries-unite-under-international-pome-fruit-alliance-in-berlin The International Pome Fruit Alliance (IPFA) has been made official at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, with aims to share different apple varieties and market them under the one banner, according to German website Fruchthandel.de. View article... Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:34:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/797/foodborne-illness-does-not-come-cheap http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/797/foodborne-illness-does-not-come-cheap A new study commissioned by MAF has put the economic cost of the major foodborne infections in New Zealand last year at $162 million – almost twice the figure calculated five years ago. View article... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:22:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/796/devastated-victorians-beg-for-rain-to-stop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/796/devastated-victorians-beg-for-rain-to-stop Heavy rain in Victoria is expected to ease today but large parts of the state are still struggling to cope with the extreme wet weather. View article... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:21:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/795/the-worlds-poor-get-a-diet-shake-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/795/the-worlds-poor-get-a-diet-shake-up There is an international effort to improve the diet of the world's poor through agriculture. View article... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:20:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/794/battle-against-kiwifruit-disease-continues http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/794/battle-against-kiwifruit-disease-continues Four months on from when it was first spotted in a Te Puke orchard, the potentially devastating kiwifruit disease PSA has infected 147 properties, some seriously enough to wipe out production. View article... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:19:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/793/ease-import-restrictions-after-floods-eslake http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/793/ease-import-restrictions-after-floods-eslake An economist wants the Federal Government to relax import restrictions for bananas and other produce in the wake of recent natural disasters. View article... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:18:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/792/koo-wee-rup-asparagus-still-on-the-menu http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/792/koo-wee-rup-asparagus-still-on-the-menu Home to the Australian Asparagus Industry and responsible for producing more than 93% of Australia’s asparagus production, on Saturday 4th February the Koo Wee Rup district was under siege by floods not experienced since 1971. As the Bunyip River threatened to break its banks, Koo Wee Rup residents were given... Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:16:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/791/further-damage-assessment-planned-for-qld-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/791/further-damage-assessment-planned-for-qld-crops The extent of damage to crops in north Queensland from the devastating effects of Cyclone Yasi will be further assessed this week, the State Government has said. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:11:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/790/amag-pushes-for-tighter-australian-made-labelling-guidelines http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/790/amag-pushes-for-tighter-australian-made-labelling-guidelines The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign (AMAG) is calling for tougher food labelling laws, following the release of the final report of the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:10:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/789/freshconex-workshop-urges-creative-marketing-to-kids http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/789/freshconex-workshop-urges-creative-marketing-to-kids BERLIN — Exposing children to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables holds the promise of establishing a lifetime of healthful eating habits, and cost is often cited as a barrier to increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:10:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/788/nz-european-market-vital-for-nz-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/788/nz-european-market-vital-for-nz-exports Tony Gibbs said in his speech to open the ENZA/Turners and Growers stand at Fruit Logistica in Berlin yesterday, "Germany and the European market are vital for New Zealand’s horticultural exports and we very much appreciate the ongoing support of the New Zealand Embassy here in Berlin, and the... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:13:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/787/flood-hit-farmers-not-rushing-to-get-recovery-loans http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/787/flood-hit-farmers-not-rushing-to-get-recovery-loans Just 18 farmers have tried to get government loans since Queensland's flood disaster began in December. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:18:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/786/new-zealand-blackcurrant-production-falls http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/786/new-zealand-blackcurrant-production-falls New Zealand’s blackcurrant season has finished with more than 18% lower production than expected due to poor weather conditions, daily newspaper the Nelson Mail reported. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:02:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/785/nz-cadmium-in-soils-to-be-actively-managed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/785/nz-cadmium-in-soils-to-be-actively-managed The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) yesterday announced a proactive strategy to manage the gradual cadmium build-up in New Zealand's agricultural soils. View article... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:01:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/784/pma-australia-new-zealand-to-boost-international-ties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/784/pma-australia-new-zealand-to-boost-international-ties When PMA Australia-New Zealand held its first Fresh Connections event in 2009 there were 250 visitors, but this year CEO Michael Worthington is aiming for 1000. He tells FreshFruitPortal.com about the resilience of local industry in the face of recent extreme weather events, the challenge of increasing fruit and... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:56:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/783/sports-juice-sour-cherries-could-speed-muscle-recovery http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/783/sports-juice-sour-cherries-could-speed-muscle-recovery Sour cherries could help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout, according to new research published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Researchers at the Sports and Exercise Science Research Center at London... Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:22:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/782/lavender-growers-sniff-out-new-trails http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/782/lavender-growers-sniff-out-new-trails The Australian Lavender Growers Association has ended its 2011 conference in Launceston with a commitment to develop a series of lavender trails in different parts of Australia. View article... Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:33:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/781/paw-paw-growers-forced-to-break-new-ground http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/781/paw-paw-growers-forced-to-break-new-ground Paw paw growers from Innisfail in far north Queensland face a unique challenge when trying to re-establish their orchards. View article... Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:33:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/780/plea-for-more-bananas-out-of-nsw http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/780/plea-for-more-bananas-out-of-nsw NSW banana growers are being to encouraged to maximise production while supply is short and prices high. View article... Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:32:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/779/youth-the-key-to-future-of-farming-says-ludwig http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/779/youth-the-key-to-future-of-farming-says-ludwig The Federal Government says it's vital that young people are given a voice through initiatives such as ABC's Heywire. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:05:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/778/nz-southern-cherry-harvests-down http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/778/nz-southern-cherry-harvests-down A mediocre cherry harvest in Central Otago means growers have missed out on up to $22 million in export profits. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:05:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/777/nsw-growers-have-bananas-to-sell-at-the-markets-today http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/777/nsw-growers-have-bananas-to-sell-at-the-markets-today The small, sweet but occasionally ''ugly'' bananas of NSW may finally flow into supermarkets because the glut of large smooth northern Queensland fruit which depressed prices for local growers has been ended by cyclone Yasi. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:02:55 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/776/drenching-restricts-pineapple-planting http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/776/drenching-restricts-pineapple-planting Some Sunshine Coast pineapple growers have only been able to plant 10 per cent of their crops this year because of heavy summer rainfall. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:02:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/775/banana-supply-should-diversify http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/775/banana-supply-should-diversify Scientists have developed an "insurance policy" that could protect Australia's future banana supplies. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:01:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/774/asia-seen-as-future-for-nz-horticulture http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/774/asia-seen-as-future-for-nz-horticulture The future for the horticulture industry is in Asia, says Turners & Growers managing director Jeff Wesley. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/773/au-mulherin-to-see-cyclone-crop-damage-first-hand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/773/au-mulherin-to-see-cyclone-crop-damage-first-hand Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says it is too early to say what financial help will be made available to producers in the wake of Cyclone Yasi. View article... Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/772/no-relaxation-on-quarantine-for-imported-bananas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/772/no-relaxation-on-quarantine-for-imported-bananas The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig that Australia will not relax food quarantine arrangements in response to Cyclone Yasi. Banana growers across Far North Queensland, in particular Innisfail and... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:02:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/771/truss-questions-end-to-drought-funding-for-flooded-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/771/truss-questions-end-to-drought-funding-for-flooded-farmers Nationals Leader Warren Truss has called on the Federal Government to view upcoming drought assistance expirations in flood zones sympathetically. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:01:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/770/trials-for-new-nz-early-gold-kiwifruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/770/trials-for-new-nz-early-gold-kiwifruit First Fresh is set to trial a new early gold kiwifruit from New Zealand in Asia under a collaborative marketing arrangement with Zespri View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:00:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/769/fruit-and-veg-needs-practical-assistance http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/769/fruit-and-veg-needs-practical-assistance Australian horticulture industry body, Growcom, today said it was time for governments to get down to tin tacks and provide the practical assistance needed by horticultural growers to get back to the business of growing fruit and vegetables. Chief Executive Officer Alex Livingstone said the organisation put the... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:21:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/768/non-zespri-kiwifruit-heading-for-asia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/768/non-zespri-kiwifruit-heading-for-asia The first shipment of non-Zespri branded gold New Zealand kiwifruit will soon be heading for Thailand and Hong Kong supermarkets in what the dominant marketer is touting as proof that it allows independent exporting. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:47:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/767/industry-welcomes-food-marketing-push http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/767/industry-welcomes-food-marketing-push South Australia's food industry has welcomed the inclusion of a food marketing portfolio in the new Rann ministry. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:46:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/766/asian-persuasion-for-nz-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/766/asian-persuasion-for-nz-exports New Zealand’s horticultural export focus will likely shift from traditional markets in the US and Europe to developing markets in Asia over the coming years. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:10:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/765/potatoes-swamped-by-victorian-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/765/potatoes-swamped-by-victorian-floods Millions of dollars worth of potatoes just weeks away from harvest are expected to be wiped out by flooding in Victoria. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:52:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/764/farming-to-suffer-labour-pains-as-workers-head-to-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/764/farming-to-suffer-labour-pains-as-workers-head-to-queensland Rural Australia will experience a severe labour shortage this year, partly because of the messiave rebuilding effort required in Queensland. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:51:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/763/weather-may-worsen-ginger-rot http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/763/weather-may-worsen-ginger-rot A fungus which bit into the multi-million dollar ginger crop on the Sunshine Coast last year appears to have worsened. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:24:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/762/some-kiwifruit-growers-getting-compensation http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/762/some-kiwifruit-growers-getting-compensation Kiwifruit Vine Health is making progress in compensating growers whose orchards have been severely hit by the PSA vine disease. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:23:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/761/rabobank-to-work-with-cyclone-affected-clients http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/761/rabobank-to-work-with-cyclone-affected-clients Rural banking specialist Rabobank Australia has announced a range of emergency measures to support Queensland clients affected by damage from Cyclone Yasi. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:22:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/760/impact-of-cyclone-yasi-on-the-banana-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/760/impact-of-cyclone-yasi-on-the-banana-industry Cyclone Yasi has had a devastating impact on Far North Queensland. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected at this difficult time. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:21:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/759/macadamia-facility-to-help-nut-out-production-boost http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/759/macadamia-facility-to-help-nut-out-production-boost The Australian Macadamia Society says a recently approved processing plant in Bundaberg cements the southern Queensland region's reputation as a leading production area. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:19:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/758/coles-to-compensate-banana-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/758/coles-to-compensate-banana-growers Retail giant Coles has agreed to pay farmers the market price for bananas that would apply post-cyclone Yasi, in order to help compensate them for damaged crops. View article... Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:19:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/757/hot-off-the-press-retail-world-launches-a-new-fresh-produce-section-with-the-help-of-pma-a-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/757/hot-off-the-press-retail-world-launches-a-new-fresh-produce-section-with-the-help-of-pma-a-nz HOT OFF THE PRESS: Retail World launches a new fresh produce section with the help of PMA A-NZ. Check out the new 'fresh' section here: http://bit.ly/i6m3Tu Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:44:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/756/floods-wipe-out-broccoli-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/756/floods-wipe-out-broccoli-crop The Bunyip River, on the south-eastern outskirts of Melbourne, has flooded Australia's major asparagus growing district at Koo Wee Rup. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:20:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/755/supermarkets-say-higher-banana-prices-will-be-passed-on-to-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/755/supermarkets-say-higher-banana-prices-will-be-passed-on-to-growers The two major supermarkets have increased banana prices, with the extra dollars being passed back to growers. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:19:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/754/broccoli-could-help-fight-bowel-cancer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/754/broccoli-could-help-fight-bowel-cancer Scientists in the United States claim broccoli can inhibit the growth of bowel cancer cells. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:10:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/753/avocado-papaya-growers-relieved-cyclone-losses-arent-too-serious http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/753/avocado-papaya-growers-relieved-cyclone-losses-arent-too-serious Atherton Tableland avocado growers say trees have survived the blast of Cyclone Yasi surprisingly well. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:20:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/752/exotic-fruit-could-take-years-to-recover http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/752/exotic-fruit-could-take-years-to-recover It'll take some farmers hit by Cyclone Yasi more than a decade to recover, if at all. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:19:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/751/mareeba-banana-industry-may-keep-supply-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/751/mareeba-banana-industry-may-keep-supply-up The Banana Growers Council says the destruction from Cyclone Yasi will cost the industry $200 million. View article... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:18:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/750/produce-executive-program-2011 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/750/produce-executive-program-2011 Like everyone around the country, we have been greatly saddened by the effect of the widespread flooding throughout Queensland, as well as parts of Victoria and most other states. We would like to support by donating 5% of the net revenue from the 2011 Produce Executive Program to the flood appeal. We know... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:17:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/749/sour-news-on-prices-as-crops-destroyed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/749/sour-news-on-prices-as-crops-destroyed CONSUMERS will have to pay more for many tinned food products and bananas after Cyclone Yasi devastated Queensland's sugar and banana crops. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:38:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/748/nz-banana-prices-set-to-skyrocket http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/748/nz-banana-prices-set-to-skyrocket BANANAS could skyrocket to $15 a kg - a five-fold increase - after cyclone Yasi decimated the North Queensland crop. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:33:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/747/its-just-too-hard-yasi-leaves-farmers-reeling http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/747/its-just-too-hard-yasi-leaves-farmers-reeling North Queensland farmers who had been struggling to recover after Cyclone Larry are now facing financial ruin after Cyclone Yasi wiped out entire farms across the region this week. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:06:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/746/cyclone-yasi-devastates-bananna-growers-in-far-north-qeensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/746/cyclone-yasi-devastates-bananna-growers-in-far-north-qeensland Banana growers across Far North Queensland, in particular Innisfail and Tully, have been the worst affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi, according to the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC). ABGC Chairman Cameron MacKay said the industry has taken a significant battering with 95 per cent of major... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:53:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/745/black-spot-hampers-lemon-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/745/black-spot-hampers-lemon-crop A citrus grower in the Northern Territory say he's generally happy with how the lemon harvest is progressing, but a fungal disease is keeping prices down. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:00:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/744/kiwifruit-harvest-looks-like-a-boomer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/744/kiwifruit-harvest-looks-like-a-boomer Nelson kiwifruit growers are expecting a much better crop this season, with the harvest set to be 30 per cent higher than last year. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:50:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/743/australia-biosecurity-team-in-fiji-to-inspect-farms http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/743/australia-biosecurity-team-in-fiji-to-inspect-farms A biosecurity team from Australia is currently in the country to inspect farms that produce for export. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:49:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/742/citrus-export-prospects-looking-sweeter http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/742/citrus-export-prospects-looking-sweeter A recent visit by Western Australian citrus industry representatives to Malaysia and Singapore is leading to hopes of fruitful long-term relationships and trade. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:48:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/741/banana-growers-fear-cyclone-will-hasten-filipino-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/741/banana-growers-fear-cyclone-will-hasten-filipino-imports Australian banana growers want the Federal Government to guarantee it wont relax the strict conditions on Filipino banana imports. View article... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:46:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/740/information-for-avocado-growers-on-tropical-cyclone-yasi-a-update-no2 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/740/information-for-avocado-growers-on-tropical-cyclone-yasi-a-update-no2 North Queensland Growers We are pleased to be able to say that NQ Growers have made it through Cyclone Yasi without loss of life, growers and their families spent a harrowing night while Yasi passed across the Tablelands. Cyclone Yasi has proven that good management and preparation can lessen the impact of a... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:24:01 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/739/banana-industry-hit-badly http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/739/banana-industry-hit-badly The Australian Banana Grower’s Council today warned consumers that the Australian banana industry, which escaped flood damage, had suffered devastation as a result of tropical cyclone Yasi. Banana growers across Far North Queensland, in particular Innisfail and Tully, have been the worst affected by the... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:08:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/738/changing-of-the-guard-a-oneharvest-has-a-new-ceo http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/738/changing-of-the-guard-a-oneharvest-has-a-new-ceo Produce industry veteran Rob Robson has officially handed over the reins of the OneHarvest group to Robin Poynton, who has stepped into the role of CEO. In a move that is highlighted as an important and significant milestone for the future of the third generation family business, Rob has congratulated Robin on... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:05:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/737/growers-preparing-to-export-red-grapefruit-into-japan-for-the-first-time http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/737/growers-preparing-to-export-red-grapefruit-into-japan-for-the-first-time Australia's red grapefruit producers are gearing up for their first chance to export fruit into Japan. View article... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:07:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/736/banana-sugar-damage-worse-than-larry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/736/banana-sugar-damage-worse-than-larry Agricultural damage from Cyclone Yasi is more extreme and widespread than the devastating Cyclone Larry which hit the Queensland region in 2006. View article... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:06:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/735/fresh-fruit-fly-outbreak-on-the-murray http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/735/fresh-fruit-fly-outbreak-on-the-murray New fruit fly outbreaks are the latest setbacks to hit fruit industries along the Murray River. View article... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:21:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/734/banana-plantations-flattened-again http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/734/banana-plantations-flattened-again The Australian Banana Growers Council says most banana plantations across north Queensland are likely to have been flattened. View article... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:20:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/733/yasi-crosses-close-to-where-larry-decimated-crops-five-years-ago http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/733/yasi-crosses-close-to-where-larry-decimated-crops-five-years-ago Tropical Cyclone Yasi has been downgraded to a category three system as it is making its way inland. View article... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:15:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/732/tasmanian-spud-growers-say-simplot-gave-them-a-good-hearing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/732/tasmanian-spud-growers-say-simplot-gave-them-a-good-hearing Tasmanian potato growers expect to hear the outcome of price talks with processor Simplot within a fortnight. View article... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:35:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/731/information-for-avocado-growers-on-tropical-cyclone-yasi-a-update-no1-10am http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/731/information-for-avocado-growers-on-tropical-cyclone-yasi-a-update-no1-10am Tropical Cyclone Yasi CATEGORY 5, continues to head to the north coast of Queensland, and as of 8.00 am EST Wednesday 2 February 2011, the cyclone is expected to cross the coast south of the Innisfail area at about midnight. SEVERE TC YASI IS A LARGE AND VERY POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND POSES AN EXTREMELY... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:28:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/730/us-expert-praises-australian-soil-carbon-efforts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/730/us-expert-praises-australian-soil-carbon-efforts A United States soil expert says Australian farmers are leading the world in preparing for emissions trading. View article... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:18:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/729/reports-warns-of-starvation-unless-food-production-lifts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/729/reports-warns-of-starvation-unless-food-production-lifts A report suggests billions of people will starve by the year 2050, unless farm productivity lifts around the world. View article... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:17:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/728/billions-of-dollars-of-agriculture-at-risk-from-yasi http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/728/billions-of-dollars-of-agriculture-at-risk-from-yasi Billions of dollars worth of agricultural produce and machinery could be affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi. View article... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:25:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/727/cyclone-to-bring-24-hours-of-terror http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/727/cyclone-to-bring-24-hours-of-terror Queenslanders have been told to prepare themselves for a terrifying 24 hours as the "most catastrophic storm ever" takes aim at heavily populated areas of the state's north. View article... Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:24:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/726/growing-cities-may-scuttle-growing-vegetables http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/726/growing-cities-may-scuttle-growing-vegetables Research undertaken by the federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is a wake-up call on the issue of Australia’s future food security, according to Rachel Mackenzie, policy spokesperson for the peak horticulture body Growcom today. “Research conducted by the National Institute of Labour... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:24:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/725/coles-reports-arecorda-chrismas-boost-for-q2 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/725/coles-reports-arecorda-chrismas-boost-for-q2 Wesfarmers released its second-quarter figures for Coles yesterday, reporting comparable food and liquor store sales growth of 6.6% in Q2, and food and liquor sales of $7 billion - a 6.7% increase on Q2 last year. The company’s Q2 results for last year included sales figures for the 22 Coles supermarkets... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:14:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/724/sustainable-food-national-summit-on-food-security http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/724/sustainable-food-national-summit-on-food-security Food industry players and sustainability experts will come together in April this year at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium for the National Sustainable Food Summit, a two-day independent forum focusing on food policy developments for Australia. Examining food security and resilience, and how these relate to the... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:13:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/723/wa-citrus-bound-for-se-asia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/723/wa-citrus-bound-for-se-asia WA citrus growers will soon have the opportunity to export their fruit to South-East Asia. View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:18:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/722/nz-consumers-show-banana-bent http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/722/nz-consumers-show-banana-bent New Zealand consumers’ favourite fruit is a banana, and favourite vegetable is a tomato, according to new statistics View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:23:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/719/banana-growers-fear-another-wipeout http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/719/banana-growers-fear-another-wipeout One of Australia's largest banana growing regions may once again be largely wiped out by a tropical cyclone. View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:56:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/721/qld-disaster-brews-as-cyclone-stalks-north http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/721/qld-disaster-brews-as-cyclone-stalks-north Premier Anna Bligh says the cyclone bearing down on the Queensland coast has the potential to be the biggest the state has ever seen. View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:02:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/720/residents-urged-to-flee-monster-cyclone http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/720/residents-urged-to-flee-monster-cyclone Cyclone Yasi is expected to be larger and more intense than 2006's devastating Cyclone Larry when it slams into the north Queensland coast some time tomorrow night. View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:59:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/718/farmers-prepare-to-face-yasi http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/718/farmers-prepare-to-face-yasi Farmers and property owners along the North Queensland coast are preparing for the largest cyclone in the state's history. View article... Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:39:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/717/mixed-responses-to-food-labelling-review http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/717/mixed-responses-to-food-labelling-review An independent panel led by former federal Health Minister Neal Blewett delivered the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy 2011 to the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King on Friday. Dr Alan Barclay, an accredited practicing dietitian and nutritionist, chief scientific officer for the... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:10:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/716/ahealthy-eating-made-easya-with-new-dig-campaign http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/716/ahealthy-eating-made-easya-with-new-dig-campaign Australian shoppers will be able formulate a balanced diet and make healthier food choices following the launch of a new Daily Intake Guide (DIG) consumer education campaign by the Australian Food and Grocery Council today.The new Healthy Eating, Made Easy campaign for DIG front-of-pack food labelling - an... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:09:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/715/cyclones-flooding-create-produce-shortages http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/715/cyclones-flooding-create-produce-shortages Farmers in Bowen in north Queensland are concerned that two cyclones in a week could create a shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables across the state. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:53:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/714/growers-reject-forecast-of-massive-fruit-and-vegie-price-hikes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/714/growers-reject-forecast-of-massive-fruit-and-vegie-price-hikes A research group predicts the prices of some fruit and vegetables are about to jump as much as 100 per cent because of flood damage. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:17:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/713/exports-brighten-a-poor-cherry-season http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/713/exports-brighten-a-poor-cherry-season Tasmanian cherry growers have suffered varying degrees of rain damage across the state this year. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:16:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/712/ag-colleges-swell-with-female-enrolments http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/712/ag-colleges-swell-with-female-enrolments Young women are again outnumbering men at Queensland's agricultural colleges. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:39:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/711/first-locusts-then-floods-now-more-locusts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/711/first-locusts-then-floods-now-more-locusts The Department of Primary Industries is urging Victorian farmers to spray a second generation of locusts. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:57:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/710/cyclone-system-drenches-inland-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/710/cyclone-system-drenches-inland-queensland Rain is extending right over to western Queensland as ex-tropical cyclone Anthony moves inland. View article... Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:24:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/709/food-labelling-display-your-national-pride-legally http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/709/food-labelling-display-your-national-pride-legally As Aussie’s proudly display their national pride during Australia Day celebrations, NSW food retailers are being reminded to ensure the labels they display are not breaking the law, NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said on Wednesday. “Labelling imported food as Australian is up there with one... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:36:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/708/call-for-more-relevant-agricultural-education http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/708/call-for-more-relevant-agricultural-education A group of former scholars are taking the shortage of agricultural graduates into their own hands, while declaring that tertiary agricultural education has failed in Australia. View article... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:12:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/707/apple-industry-claims-chinese-imports-arent-a-success http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/707/apple-industry-claims-chinese-imports-arent-a-success Australian consumers may have seen the last of the Chinese apple imports for 2011. View article... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:13:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/706/revolutionary-new-nectarine-variety-launches-in-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/706/revolutionary-new-nectarine-variety-launches-in-nz Revolutionary new nectarine variety launches in New Zealand after two decades in development. View article... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:26:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/705/nz-rain-a-menace-for-hawkes-bay-stonefruit-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/705/nz-rain-a-menace-for-hawkes-bay-stonefruit-growers Last weekend's rain was a boon for farmers but a menace for Hawke's Bay stonefruit growers - damaging about 30 per cent of the nectarine crop at one of the region's largest producers, Johnny Appleseed. View article... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:25:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/704/cherry-wine-could-make-up-for-poor-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/704/cherry-wine-could-make-up-for-poor-fruit The 2010 cherry season is one that growers would rather forget, on the South-West Slopes of NSW. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:29:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/703/floods-dry-up-organic-supplies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/703/floods-dry-up-organic-supplies Many grocery store shelves across Queensland continue to be sparsely stocked due to the floods, and organic shops are especially hard hit. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:28:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/702/nz-wet-weekend-coming-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/702/nz-wet-weekend-coming-up Environment Waikato is urging regional residents to be prepared for a wet long weekend after a new MetService heavy rainfall watch announcement for the northern half of the North island. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:22:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/701/nz-kiwifruit-decline-estimates-miss-mark http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/701/nz-kiwifruit-decline-estimates-miss-mark New Zealand's 2011 kiwifruit crop is not expected to decline significantly, despite reports to the contrary published last week View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:21:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/700/supermarkets-pledge-to-buy-from-flood-hit-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/700/supermarkets-pledge-to-buy-from-flood-hit-farmers Woolworths and Coles have vowed to support Australian farmers hit by the ongoing floods, saying they will import fruit and vegetables only as a last resort. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:46:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/699/australian-fruit-prices-jump-15-with-an-even-bigger-spike-coming-after-the-flood http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/699/australian-fruit-prices-jump-15-with-an-even-bigger-spike-coming-after-the-flood Australian fourth quarter consumer price inflation data out today was a relatively low 0.4 percent -- with a few huge disclaimers. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:45:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/698/australians-could-soon-taste-the-sweet-indian-mango http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/698/australians-could-soon-taste-the-sweet-indian-mango Australians are looking forward to eating Indian mangoes from next season, even as the governments of the two nations are fine tuning the modalities for the export of the fruit. Because of its sweetness, Indian mangoes are in high demand across the world. View article... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:44:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/697/buyers-urged-to-forgive-flood-blemishes-on-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/697/buyers-urged-to-forgive-flood-blemishes-on-fruit Politicians and growers are urging consumers to support Australia’s fruit and vegetable growers by buying local flood-affected produce, rather than unblemished imported fruit and veg. Chief Executive Officer of peak horticulture organisation Growcom, Alex Livingstone, said that where produce had only been... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:36:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/696/woolworths-shares-fall-as-retailer-cuts-profit-forecast http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/696/woolworths-shares-fall-as-retailer-cuts-profit-forecast Shares in Woolworths Ltd dropped yesterday as the supermarket chain lowered its earnings forecast for the first half of fiscal 2011. Woolworths said its net profit for the six months to 2 January would rise by 5% to 6%, below the forecast of an increase 8-11% that it issued in August. CEO and MD Michael Luscombe... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:36:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/695/fruit-expensive-even-before-the-january-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/695/fruit-expensive-even-before-the-january-floods Fruit prices have risen by more than 15 per cent, the biggest price hike ever for the December quarter. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:03:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/694/its-official-december-was-wet http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/694/its-official-december-was-wet December was the wettest on record for eastern Australia, and the second wettest for the Murray-Darling Basin. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:02:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/693/union-plans-anti-dumping-campaign http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/693/union-plans-anti-dumping-campaign Farmers concerned about cheap food imports have a new powerful ally, in the form of the Australian Workers Union. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:01:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/692/nz-orchards-dodge-storm-damage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/692/nz-orchards-dodge-storm-damage Kiwifruit and avocado orchards may have escaped serious damage from northeasterly winds last night. Michael Darling of AvoWorks, a contract picking company, had received no reports of damage from his clients this morning. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:32:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/691/nz-floods-to-boost-fruit-vege-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/691/nz-floods-to-boost-fruit-vege-exports Fruit and vegetable exports from Southland and Central Otago are expected to increase after flooding damaged Australia's crops. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:31:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/690/supermarkets-weigh-up-fruit-and-veg-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/690/supermarkets-weigh-up-fruit-and-veg-imports Big supermarkets are contemplating the mass importation of fruit and vegetables — and are already stocking shelves with damaged produce from local growers desperate for cash after the floods. In what looms as a dilemma, Coles and Woolworths are weighing up whether to support Australian producers — and... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:30:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/689/floods-halve-nut-growers-income http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/689/floods-halve-nut-growers-income Floodwaters have wreaked havoc at a Wide Bay macadamia nut orchard, wiping out up to 500 trees. The floods left half of Liz and David Kirby's 20,000 trees submerged in muddy brown water for days. View article... Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:29:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/688/nzfsa-to-launch-new-industry-focused-website-f http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/688/nzfsa-to-launch-new-industry-focused-website-f The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has announced it will be re-launching its website on 27 January. The new website – foodsafety.govt.nz – will be aimed at food businesses that produce, sell, export or import food. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:11:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/687/restaurateurs-and-retailers-get-online-to-support-qld-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/687/restaurateurs-and-retailers-get-online-to-support-qld-farmers Amid the recent flood devastation in Queensland a motivated group of business people, primary producers and restaurateurs, have set up a website www.supportQLDproducers.net to allow retailers, wholesalers and growers of local Queensland produce the opportunity to let consumers and potential stockists know how they... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:08:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/686/online-supermarket-competitor-expands http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/686/online-supermarket-competitor-expands The emerging online supermarket space has been dominated by Coles and more recently Woolworths, with bananablue in SA providing the most competitive and viable independent online offer. Bananablue has been growing strongly over the last twelve months, and has undertaken enhancements to its business model and IT... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:56:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/685/aussies-urged-to-love-ugly-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/685/aussies-urged-to-love-ugly-fruit A campaign is being urged to teach Australians to love 'ugly' fruit. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:36:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/684/flooding-could-have-silver-lining-for-greenhouses http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/684/flooding-could-have-silver-lining-for-greenhouses Hydroponic vegetable growers are expected to capitalise on supply shortfalls over the coming months. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:21:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/683/many-farmers-lack-insurance-for-river-flooding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/683/many-farmers-lack-insurance-for-river-flooding The Insurance Council of Australia says many farmers who have been affected by swollen river banks may not have the right coverage to receive a payout. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:21:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/682/chinese-vegetable-prices-rise http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/682/chinese-vegetable-prices-rise Chinese vegetable prices continue to rise, pushed on by production disruption a cold snap in the south View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:20:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/681/victorian-government-says-flood-damage-to-farms-worse-than-forecast http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/681/victorian-government-says-flood-damage-to-farms-worse-than-forecast Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh says heavy rain and flood damage could cost Victorian farmers up to $2 billion. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:19:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/679/damage-to-victorian-farming-expected-to-reach-2bn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/679/damage-to-victorian-farming-expected-to-reach-2bn Australian National Retailers Association head Margy Osmond says the floods in both Queensland and Victoria have caused some shortages in both fruit and vegetables. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:33:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/680/more-bay-of-plenty-kiwifruit-orchards-face-destruction http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/680/more-bay-of-plenty-kiwifruit-orchards-face-destruction More Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchards may have to be destroyed in a battle to contain a newly identified virulent strain of the disease PSA that created panic in the $1 billion export industry last year. View article... Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:15:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/678/floods-wipe-hundreds-of-millions-from-agriculture-abares http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/678/floods-wipe-hundreds-of-millions-from-agriculture-abares The nation's chief commodity forecaster says flooding across eastern Australia is likely to have reduced agricultural and mining production by about 3 billion dollars. View article... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:21:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/677/high-vegetable-prices-to-fall-soon http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/677/high-vegetable-prices-to-fall-soon Vegetable prices should ease over the next month, but it's entirely weather dependent. View article... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:20:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/676/agforce-supports-idea-of-flood-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/676/agforce-supports-idea-of-flood-levy Queensland farmer lobby group AgForce supports the idea of a flood levy to assist rebuild flood affected eastern Australia. View article... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:18:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/675/wal-mart-unveils-major-health-initiative http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/675/wal-mart-unveils-major-health-initiative Wal-Mart Stores has announced plans to reformulate thousands of its packaged food products including slashing sodium by 25% and cutting sugars by 10% by 2015. The world’s largest retailer unveiled the plans at an event in Washington yesterday (20 January), attended by Michelle Obama. Wal-Mart said the... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:17:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/674/australiaas-woolworths-among-worldas-top-25-retailers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/674/australiaas-woolworths-among-worldas-top-25-retailers Australian supermarkets Woolworths Ltd. and Wesfarmers Ltd. are now among the world’s top 25 retailers according to financial advisers Deloitte LLP. A new Global Powers of Retailing report released by the firm puts Australia’s largest retailer, headquartered in Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:27:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/673/stone-fruit-in-taiwan-shops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/673/stone-fruit-in-taiwan-shops AUSTRALIAN stone fruit is back on the shelves of supermarkets and greengrocers in Taiwan after last week's official relaunch. View article... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:26:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/672/costa-predicts-cost-of-fruit-and-veg-to-rise-by-30-per-cent http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/672/costa-predicts-cost-of-fruit-and-veg-to-rise-by-30-per-cent Getting your five-a-day could cost up to a third more as flood damage threatens consumer pockets. Geelong fruit and veg king Frank Costa predicts that produce prices will rise steadily by 25-30 per cent over the next four months, before peaking and taking a further two months to drop back to current costs. View... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:25:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/671/mandarin-supply-to-be-unaffected-by-qld-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/671/mandarin-supply-to-be-unaffected-by-qld-floods Australian grown mandarins will return to supermarket shelves as usual when the season commences in April, with fruit volume, quality and price not expected to be affected by Queensland’s devastating floods. CEO of Citrus Australia, Judith Damiani, said the majority of Australian mandarins were grown in... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:21:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/670/japan-not-a-lemon-for-citrus-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/670/japan-not-a-lemon-for-citrus-exports Japan is spearheading a renewed focus on Asia for the Australian citrus industry, which is bidding to develop high-value alternatives to the deteriorating US export deal. View article... Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:32:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/669/au-gatton-operations-open-for-business http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/669/au-gatton-operations-open-for-business Despite a significant loss to our Gatton field crops and our Hydroponic Asian Vegetables in Gatton being totally destroyed our Lockyer Valley Processing Operations have reopened and are now operating at almost full capacity. View article... Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:37:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/668/nz-apricot-harvest-down-50 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/668/nz-apricot-harvest-down-50 The New Zealand cherry harvest is well on its way with most areas now harvesting the later varieties. Gary Bennetts, Chairman of Summerfruit NZ said that they are busy harvesting varieties in the northern areas of the province. View article... Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:36:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/667/farmers-count-losses-from-rochester-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/667/farmers-count-losses-from-rochester-floods Heavy rains and floods have devastated crops in northern Victoria. View article... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:57:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/666/retailers-gear-up-for-insurance-legal-fight http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/666/retailers-gear-up-for-insurance-legal-fight Queensland retailers are gearing up for a legal battle against insurance companies trying to avoid flood damage payouts. View article... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:47:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/665/veges-fresh-and-quick-but-not-on-my-plate http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/665/veges-fresh-and-quick-but-not-on-my-plate My latest pet hate: Restaurants that don't add vegetables to meals unless you ask for them. View article... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:34:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/664/tomato-lovers-fall-victim-to-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/664/tomato-lovers-fall-victim-to-floods Your tomato sandwich has just become more expensive – because of the Australian floods. View article... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:33:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/663/au-new-apricot-varieties-offer-benefits http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/663/au-new-apricot-varieties-offer-benefits New Apricot varieties, bred specifically for producing dried fruit, are providing exciting new opportunities in the dried tree fruit industry. View article... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:26:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/662/nz-11-hectares-of-kiwifruit-removed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/662/nz-11-hectares-of-kiwifruit-removed Authorities have removed a total of 11 hectares from kiwifruit orchards across New Zealand since the Psa infection was detected on November 6. According to the latest information from the newly formed Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated, 126 orchards across New Zealand have tested positive for the disease... ... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:22:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/661/nz-supplier-defends-products-after-listeria-fears http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/661/nz-supplier-defends-products-after-listeria-fears A packaged salad and spinach supplier has defended its products after some were recalled over listeria fears. Supermarket chain Foodstuffs (Pak'n'Save, New World and Four Square) has pulled Living Foods and Pams packaged bags of salad and spinach from its shelves after discovering they could contain... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:20:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/660/au-fresh-produce-scarce-after-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/660/au-fresh-produce-scarce-after-floods Rice may become a staple carbohydrate on the plates of Northern Rivers locals over the next few days due to a lack of potatoes. It's not only potatoes, but tomatoes, apples, mangoes and a wide variety of other fresh fruit and vegetables are becoming scarce on the shelves of supermarkets and small fruit and... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:19:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/659/wto-to-decide-new-zealand-australia-apple-trade-dispute http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/659/wto-to-decide-new-zealand-australia-apple-trade-dispute The World Trade Organization (WTO) will meet in January over the dispute between New Zealand and Australia on apple access. Australia have banned New Zealand apples since 1921 to protect their local apple trees from fire blight. New Zealand has been arguing for decades that mature symptomless fruit pose no risk of... Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:16:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/658/food-giants-open-their-stores-and-wallets-for-qld http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/658/food-giants-open-their-stores-and-wallets-for-qld Food businesses around Australia have pitched in for relief efforts in the Queensland floods, offering donations, matching employee contributions, allowing customers to donate directly, and supplying food for those affected and volunteers. Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have both allowed customers to... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:30:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/657/prices-set-to-sky-rocket http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/657/prices-set-to-sky-rocket The damage bill from this flood crisis has been estimated at $10 billion but the economic impact is likely to be even greater. Queensland produces about a quarter of the nation's fruit and vegetable crop and is a major exporter of meat, sugar and grain. Damage to the State's agriculture sector means... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:42:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/656/bank-tips-rise-in-food-prices-due-to-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/656/bank-tips-rise-in-food-prices-due-to-floods The National Australia Bank says fruit and vegetable prices will increase due to the floods in Queensland. View article... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:09:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/655/gillard-sets-up-panel-to-help-queensland-recovery http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/655/gillard-sets-up-panel-to-help-queensland-recovery Farmers and miners are among ten business leaders, which will help the Federal Government in the Queensland recovery. View article... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/654/big-losses-to-southern-vegetable-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/654/big-losses-to-southern-vegetable-crops Australia's tomato processing industry is devastated by the Victorian floods. Half the industry's growers have flooded crops, weeks before harvest was due to start... View article... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:59:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/653/brisbane-floods-before-and-after http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/653/brisbane-floods-before-and-after High-resolution aerial photos taken over Brisbane last week have revealed the scale of devastation across dozens of suburbs and tens of thousands of homes and businesses. The aerial photos of the Brisbane floods were taken in flyovers on January 13 and January 14. View page... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:18:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/652/floods-hit-nz-produce-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/652/floods-hit-nz-produce-prices NZ fruit and vegetable prices are tipped to rise as flood damage cuts into Australian production View article... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:39:01 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/651/road-freight-disrupted-by-flooding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/651/road-freight-disrupted-by-flooding South Australian road freight is being significantly disrupted by flooding in western Victoria. View article... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/650/vegetables-key-contributor-to-fall-in-food-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/650/vegetables-key-contributor-to-fall-in-food-prices Food prices fell 0.8 percent in the December 2010 month, Statistics New Zealand said today. This follows a 0.6 percent decrease in November 2010. Seasonal falls in vegetable prices were the key contributor to lower food prices in November and December 2010. Vegetable prices fell 7.9 percent in December with... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:00:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/647/a-message-of-support-to-flood-victims-from-pma-and-pma-australia-new-zealand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/647/a-message-of-support-to-flood-victims-from-pma-and-pma-australia-new-zealand All the Directors and Staff of PMA in the USA and PMA Australia-New Zealand extend a strong and heartfelt message of support to all members of the organisation and the broader fresh produce community who have been so terribly affected, both directly and indirectly, by the devastating floods in Queensland and across... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:28:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/649/flood-hit-markets-reopen-tv-coverage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/649/flood-hit-markets-reopen-tv-coverage Brisbane's Rocklea produce markets have reopened after an exhaustive clean-up. Watch coverage... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:04:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/648/carnarvon-cleans-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/648/carnarvon-cleans-up They might breed 'em tough in the sunshine state - but Carnarvon growers are proving they're equally as resilient in the west. Last month fruit and vegetable producers had their crops wiped out and property destroyed when a flood rushed through Carnarvon's horticultural area. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:49:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/646/top-trend-aussies-like-it-local http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/646/top-trend-aussies-like-it-local Australians have always been supportive of their local communities, but Datamonitor research has found that this desire has intensified over the past 12 months. Local products are shaping up to be a key source of growth for food and drink companies in 2011. It is well known that Australian consumers want to buy... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:12:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/645/floods-force-closure-of-woolworths-stores-amid-fresh-food-shortage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/645/floods-force-closure-of-woolworths-stores-amid-fresh-food-shortage Woolworths has closed nine of its supermarkets in Ipswich and Brisbane as a result of the devastating floods, amid a fresh food shortage across Queensland. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:45:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/644/crisis-distribution-must-be-part-of-national-food-plan http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/644/crisis-distribution-must-be-part-of-national-food-plan The distribution of food and groceries and the managing of transport logistics during a major crisis must be part of the development of Australia’s National Food Plan, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has said in the wake of the Queensland flood disaster. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:40:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/643/queensland-floods-food-supplies-a-top-priority http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/643/queensland-floods-food-supplies-a-top-priority Ensuring adequate food supplies reach Queensland's flood-affected communities are a top priority, Federal Ministers have said. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:38:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/642/queensland-floods-the-economic-impact http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/642/queensland-floods-the-economic-impact The floods in Queensland and the rest of Australia have besieged an area larger than France and Germany combined. The floods will have a significant impact on the Australian economy, in addition to world commodity and agriculture prices...The recent flooding threatens to reduce Australia’s supply of fresh... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:36:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/641/rain-damage-still-being-assessed-for-northern-tasmanian-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/641/rain-damage-still-being-assessed-for-northern-tasmanian-crops Last week's deluge across northern Tasmania contributed up to a third of many area's annual average rainfall in three days. Falls of up to 300 millimetres have damaged a range of valuable crops, particularly paddocks of pyrethrum already windrowed for harvest and mature vegetable and poppy crops. ... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:26:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/640/nation-slowly-recovering-following-major-flooding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/640/nation-slowly-recovering-following-major-flooding There's still wet and wild weather across the country, with floods in Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:30:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/639/chinese-apples-will-soon-be-on-sale http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/639/chinese-apples-will-soon-be-on-sale Chinese apples go on sale this week in Australia's eastern states, but won't have stickers identifying their country of origin and that's worried Australian apple growers. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:29:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/638/brisbane-markets-partially-reopen http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/638/brisbane-markets-partially-reopen The Brisbane produce markets at Rocklea on the city's southside have partially reopened today after extensive flooding, so fresh fruit and vegetables can be restocked in shops. View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:14:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/637/brisbane-markets-flood-update http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/637/brisbane-markets-flood-update The latest news and information out of Brisbane Markets on the flood situation. View article Photos of Brisbane markets during the flood: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/cms/flood-gallery.html Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:13:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/636/drought-looms-in-manawatu-with-hot-summer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/636/drought-looms-in-manawatu-with-hot-summer Manawatu is about to be declared a drought zone after one of the hottest and driest starts to summer on record View article... Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:50:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/635/woolworths-to-match-customer-flood-donations http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/635/woolworths-to-match-customer-flood-donations All Australians have been shocked and saddened by the impact of the floods in Queensland this week, and many businesses and individuals have shown incredible generosity in their donations of time, money and goods to the affected communities. Coles customers have now donated over $1 million to help the victims of... Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:46:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/634/wild-weather-destroys-crops-in-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/634/wild-weather-destroys-crops-in-tasmania Rain and wind in northern Tasmania are halting harvesting and disappointing some cropping farmers. View article... Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:09:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/633/fresh-produce-stuck http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/633/fresh-produce-stuck Supermarkets are running very low on stock but and at least 2,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetable is sitting in storage in Bundaberg with nowhere to go. View article... Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:27:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/632/brisbane-markets-flood-update-alternate-distribution-site http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/632/brisbane-markets-flood-update-alternate-distribution-site BML has secured a dry site away from the existing Markets to assist market tenants and buyers for the receipt and dispatch of produce. Read more... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:48:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/630/supermarkets-forced-to-close-after-panic-buying http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/630/supermarkets-forced-to-close-after-panic-buying Coles and Woolworths supermarkets have been forced to close around Queensland after panicked customers descended on shops looking to stock up on essentials. Woolworths spokesperson Clare Buchanan told the Australian that floodwaters and staff shortages had forced the closure of nine Woolworths supermarkets in... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:31:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/629/support-australia-wide-to-provide-fresh-produce-to-qld http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/629/support-australia-wide-to-provide-fresh-produce-to-qld Fruit and vegetable sellers at the Sydney markets are raising tens of thousands of dollars for Queensland growers and communities affected by the floods. View article... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:30:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/628/north-qld-desperate-for-fresh-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/628/north-qld-desperate-for-fresh-produce Supermarket chains in far-north Queensland are facing an increasing challenge getting fresh produce north of Brisbane. View article... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:29:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/627/closed-ports-delay-agricultural-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/627/closed-ports-delay-agricultural-exports Key agricultural exports are being delayed as ports close due to the flooding in Queensland. View article... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:28:55 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/626/more-fruit-imports-to-meet-juice-demand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/626/more-fruit-imports-to-meet-juice-demand Australia is having to import more fruit to meet juice demand. View article... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:28:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/625/information-for-growers-and-avocados-australia-office-disruptions-due-to-brisbane-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/625/information-for-growers-and-avocados-australia-office-disruptions-due-to-brisbane-floods Please note the following update to the flood situation in Queensland, Australia, at this stage mainly affecting the state of Queensland and Northern New South Wales, for growers and industry partners, and now affecting the city of Brisbane. The latest statistics overnight stand at 10 people confirmed dead... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:08:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/624/satara-appoints-new-ceo http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/624/satara-appoints-new-ceo Kiwifruit and avocado company Satara Cooperative Group has appointed Tom Wilson as managing director, after he filled the role on an interim basis for eight months. View article... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:41:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/623/brisbane-wholesale-markets-closed-due-to-flooding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/623/brisbane-wholesale-markets-closed-due-to-flooding The biggest fruit and vegetable market in the state has closed due to flooding and the site in Brisbane has been evacuated. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:10:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/622/qld-floods-may-cause-food-shortages http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/622/qld-floods-may-cause-food-shortages Fruit and vegetable wholesalers say the Queensland floods may lead to some food shortages across Australia. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:08:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/621/boats-replace-trucks-to-transport-supplies-to-qld http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/621/boats-replace-trucks-to-transport-supplies-to-qld Trucking companies are turning to sea transport in an effort to get desperately needed supplies to flood-affected Queensland. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:07:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/620/large-imports-of-chinese-apples-not-anticipated http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/620/large-imports-of-chinese-apples-not-anticipated Apple wholesalers don't expect big volumes of Chinese fruit to be imported this year. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:05:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/619/ord-growers-encouraged-to-keep-cane-toads-out-of-packing-sheds http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/619/ord-growers-encouraged-to-keep-cane-toads-out-of-packing-sheds Fresh produce with a dash of cane toad is not the type of publicity the Ord Valley in Western Australia needs. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:04:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/618/first-chinese-apple-imports-arrive-in-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/618/first-chinese-apple-imports-arrive-in-australia The head of Australia's peak apple industry body believes the first Chinese apples imports will arrive in Sydney today. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:03:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/617/more-extreme-weather-to-hit-australias-east-coast http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/617/more-extreme-weather-to-hit-australias-east-coast A long range weather forecaster warns there'll be more extreme weather events over the coming months. View article... Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:03:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/616/donate-to-the-flood-relief-appeal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/616/donate-to-the-flood-relief-appeal The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help fellow Queenslanders affected by the recent floods. Many communities, including the Fresh Produce community, have been devastated. Some families have lost everything. You can help make a difference by donating to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:16:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/615/packaging-that-knows-when-food-is-going-off http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/615/packaging-that-knows-when-food-is-going-off Packaging that alerts consumers to food which is starting to go off is being developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde in the UK. The project aims to improve food safety and cut unnecessary food waste by developing a new type of indicator, made of ‘intelligent plastics’ which give a... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:50:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/614/iga-climbs-the-customer-satisfaction-ladder http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/614/iga-climbs-the-customer-satisfaction-ladder According to the latest Roy Morgan Supermarket Customer Satisfaction figures, customer satisfaction among IGA shoppers has grown by a full percentage point, bringing the independent retail group firmly into second place behind consistent front-runner Aldi. Among Aldi customers, 90.5% were satisfied, followed by IGA... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:25:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/613/banana-growers-struggling-to-hold-on http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/613/banana-growers-struggling-to-hold-on Banana production has skyrocketed, but growers are going bust. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:43:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/612/grantham-devastated-by-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/612/grantham-devastated-by-floods In the small farming community of Grantham east of Toowoomba, three people are confirmed dead. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:43:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/611/too-much-rain-damaging-victorias-stone-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/611/too-much-rain-damaging-victorias-stone-fruit Constant rain is destroying much of northern Victoria's remaining stone fruit harvest. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:42:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/610/downpour-of-rain-to-hit-western-nsw http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/610/downpour-of-rain-to-hit-western-nsw Broken Hill could receive more than half its annual rainfall in the next few days. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:41:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/609/kind-flood-for-those-in-central-western-qld http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/609/kind-flood-for-those-in-central-western-qld Floodwaters have finally receded from the Barcoo River bridge in central western Queensland for the first time in more than 50 days. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:40:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/608/farmers-on-alert-as-rain-humidity-continues http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/608/farmers-on-alert-as-rain-humidity-continues Farmers say more grain crops are being lost or further downgraded and grape growers are facing another outbreak of moulds and mildews as the rain and humidity continues. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:17:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/607/floods-hit-the-north-coast http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/607/floods-hit-the-north-coast The devastating floods are continuing in Queensland, but in NSW a new wave of rain and floodwater could be heading their way. View article... * Phone State Emergency Services on 132 500. * Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 * To donate, visit the Queensland government's floods support... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:08:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/606/queensland-floods-wreak-havoc http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/606/queensland-floods-wreak-havoc At least eight people have died in the latest wave of flooding in Queensland - described as an "inland tsunami" - and dozens more are missing. View article... * Phone State Emergency Services on 132 500. * Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349 * To donate, visit the Queensland... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:06:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/605/overseas-trade-surges http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/605/overseas-trade-surges Despite extraordinarily difficult farming conditions, the agricultural sector’s contribution to the export economy has surged in the latest Statistics New Zealand Overseas Merchandise Trade statistics. View article... Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:39:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/604/flooding-in-qld-forces-truck-drivers-to-detour http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/604/flooding-in-qld-forces-truck-drivers-to-detour More than 600 trucks are thundering through western Queensland every day, as many detour around the flood-affected coastal regions of the state. View article... Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:58:07 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/603/flood-affected-farmers-receive-support-from-qlds-premier http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/603/flood-affected-farmers-receive-support-from-qlds-premier Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh says she'll do all she can to get the state's farmers back in action. View article... Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:57:32 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/602/pepsico-to-launch-new-asnackifieda-drinks http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/602/pepsico-to-launch-new-asnackifieda-drinks Targeting mums who want to get their children to eat more fruit and vegetables, the Tropicana division of PepsiCo is launching Tropolis snack pouches for market testing in the US Midwest this month... View article... Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:07:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/601/new-zealand-produce-to-benefit-from-aussie-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/601/new-zealand-produce-to-benefit-from-aussie-floods Eastern Australia's sopping wet summer has set the scene for an "explosion" of imported New Zealand produce, according to growers on that side of the Tasman. View article... Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:50:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/600/supermarkets-may-take-flood-damaged-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/600/supermarkets-may-take-flood-damaged-produce Major supermarket chains are considering relaxing their standards to allow damaged fruit and vegetables to be sold in their stores. View article... Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:49:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/599/coles-adjusts-quality-standards-to-allow-for-rain-damaged-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/599/coles-adjusts-quality-standards-to-allow-for-rain-damaged-produce Australian consumers could see some changes to their fruit and vegetables, as Coles changes 100 quality standards to allow for weather damage. View article... Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:50:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/598/multi-million-dollar-loss-forecast-for-fruit-and-veg-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/598/multi-million-dollar-loss-forecast-for-fruit-and-veg-exports A leading fruit trader predicts Australian horticultural exports will fall 20 per cent this year because of poor weather and the high Australian dollar. View article... Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:14:31 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/597/global-food-prices-higher-than-ever http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/597/global-food-prices-higher-than-ever Global food prices have hit an all time high following a number of poor harvests around the world last year. View article... Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:13:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/596/banana-supplies-unaffected-by-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/596/banana-supplies-unaffected-by-floods Despite the wet weather in Queensland, there is still an abundant supply of bananas and growers are continuing to send fruit to market, according to the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC). ABGC CEO Jonathan Eccles said bananas have been relatively unaffected by the recent weather across Queensland... Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:25:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/595/sa-vegie-growers-to-benefit-from-flooding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/595/sa-vegie-growers-to-benefit-from-flooding South Australian vegetable producers are set to benefit from flooding in eastern Australia. View article... Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:38:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/594/insecticide-shortage-for-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/594/insecticide-shortage-for-queensland Insecticide is in demand through flooded Queensland, for both people living in town and for farmers controlling pests. View article... Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:22:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/593/calls-for-assistance-for-agriculture-businesses-in-qld-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/593/calls-for-assistance-for-agriculture-businesses-in-qld-floods Peak horticulture body Growcom today welcomed the announcement of a state-federal grant of up to $25 000 for small business and agricultural producers for clean-up and recovery in flood affected areas of Queensland, in addition to concessional interest rate loans and freight subsidies. However Chief Executive... Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:17:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/592/wa-high-food-price-talk-exaggerated http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/592/wa-high-food-price-talk-exaggerated Western Australians shouldn't expect to see major rises in the price of their fruit and veg, according to one of the wholesalers at the Perth markets. View article... Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:12:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/591/dole-launches-new-look-japanese-banana-diet http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/591/dole-launches-new-look-japanese-banana-diet Multinational fruit marketer Dole has unveiled its own version of the celebrated Japanese Morning Banana Diet for US consumers View article... Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:44:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/590/government-reveals-draft-carbon-farming-plan http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/590/government-reveals-draft-carbon-farming-plan The Federal Government has released draft legislation for its carbon farming initiative. View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:01:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/589/special-operation-to-rescue-queenslandas-pineapples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/589/special-operation-to-rescue-queenslandas-pineapples Pineapples from Central Queensland will be on their way to market today, following a special operation to barge them out of Rosslyn Bay, south of Yeppoon, in flood-affected Queensland. Flood waters prevented fruit growers from transporting their harvest to market by road as normal. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:46:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/588/malaysia-targets-increased-food-safety http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/588/malaysia-targets-increased-food-safety The Malaysian government could soon introduce measures to ensure fresh produce imports do not exceed permissible levels of chemical residue View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:42:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/587/citrus-growers-battle-silt-in-flood-clean-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/587/citrus-growers-battle-silt-in-flood-clean-up Queensland citrus growers are using fire hoses in a desperate bid to save thousands of citrus trees following floods. View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:11:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/586/australia-floods-push-up-produce-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/586/australia-floods-push-up-produce-prices As floodwaters continue to inundate Queensland’s major growing hubs, consumers are being warned soaring prices for fresh produce could last for weeks, or even months View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:40:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/585/continued-rain-slows-qld-flood-clean-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/585/continued-rain-slows-qld-flood-clean-up More rain from thunderstorms is slowing cleanup efforts and prolonging flooding in the central and southern districts of the state. View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:48:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/584/melon-crops-rot-in-wake-of-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/584/melon-crops-rot-in-wake-of-floods Farmers in Queensland's Western Darling Downs region are counting the cost of flood damage to their melon crops. View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:47:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/583/fresh-food-prices-will-rise-after-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/583/fresh-food-prices-will-rise-after-floods The widespread flooding is expected to force up food prices. View article... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:45:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/582/queensland-floods-to-increase-food-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/582/queensland-floods-to-increase-food-prices The disastrous floods in Queensland may cause up to $403m in damage to crops, according to the latest forecasts. This could cause fruit and vegetable prices to rise by up to 50 per cent. Affected farmers report that both summer and winter crops have been destroyed, with many hectares of freshly planted grain... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:44:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/581/costco-and-woolies-drive-big-box-format http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/581/costco-and-woolies-drive-big-box-format As Woolworth’s foray into the hardware sector draws nearer, and US giant Costco’s second Australian store approaches, new battle lines are being drawn across the big box retailing sector, with business information analysts IBISWorld predicting we will have more than 300 retail superstores by 2015... Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:43:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/580/fewer-bananas-grown-in-nsw http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/580/fewer-bananas-grown-in-nsw The future of the NSW banana industry looks bleak, after more and more growers are getting squeezed out of the market. View article... Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:47:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/579/key-scientific-impacts-of-new-us-food-safety-legislation http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/579/key-scientific-impacts-of-new-us-food-safety-legislation The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has commended US Congress for passage of landmark food safety legislation, which represents the largest changes in the country’s food safety laws in more than 70 years. View article... Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:58:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/578/changes-ahead-for-nz-apple-sector http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/578/changes-ahead-for-nz-apple-sector New Zealand Braeburn apple exporters look set to agree on a code of conduct to regulate marketing practices in the future View article... Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:42:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/577/scientists-build-sex-trap-for-fruit-bugs http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/577/scientists-build-sex-trap-for-fruit-bugs Scientists in Queensland believe they're on the way to developing an early warning system for a bug that costs fruit and nut growers along the east coast $20 million a year. View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:47:01 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/576/watermelon-grower-spitting-pips-at-cold-weather http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/576/watermelon-grower-spitting-pips-at-cold-weather A seedless watermelon grower says he can't sell his fruit because the weather hasn't been hot enough. View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:10:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/575/american-love-in-for-nsw-oranges http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/575/american-love-in-for-nsw-oranges US citrus importers have praised farmers in south west New South Wales for growing Australia's best quality export fruit. View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:09:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/574/drought-breaking-rain-welcomed-by-all-but-cherry-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/574/drought-breaking-rain-welcomed-by-all-but-cherry-growers A few days' gentle rain has farmers throughout the country smiling. View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:23:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/573/usda-highlights-gap-in-china-promotions http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/573/usda-highlights-gap-in-china-promotions Fresh produce exporters to China need to raise their game when it comes to promotions, according to a recent report from the USDA View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:22:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/572/riverina-citrus-growers-top-us-list http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/572/riverina-citrus-growers-top-us-list Region's citrus growers fight off tough international competition and strong value of Australian dollar View article... Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:21:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/571/obesity-threatened-by-new-spud http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/571/obesity-threatened-by-new-spud It's hoped a new variety of potato will help reduce obesity and diabetes in Australia. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:59:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/570/chemical-shortage-causes-onion-disease-issues http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/570/chemical-shortage-causes-onion-disease-issues South Australian onion growers struggling with wet weather, are running short of chemicals. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:58:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/569/western-australia-counts-cost-from-carnarvon-floods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/569/western-australia-counts-cost-from-carnarvon-floods Fruit and vegetable crops have been destroyed and cattle been washed away, as floods near Carnarvon reach peak levels. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:55:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/568/rain-deals-blow-to-christmas-cherries http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/568/rain-deals-blow-to-christmas-cherries Rain has split Marlborough's cherries badly in the key pre-Christmas marketing window. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:15:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/567/agriculture-production-to-boom-reserve-bank http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/567/agriculture-production-to-boom-reserve-bank Farmers can expect one of the best years of production in two decades, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:14:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/566/havelock-welcomes-flia-nomination http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/566/havelock-welcomes-flia-nomination The company's Rockit apple has been selected as one of the 10 nominees for the 2011 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award. View article... Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:23:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/565/peach-crop-concern-as-chemical-fails-to-kill-aphids http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/565/peach-crop-concern-as-chemical-fails-to-kill-aphids Australia could be seeing its first known cases of Pirimicarb resistant green peach aphids. View article... Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:35:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/564/fsanz-proposes-changes-to-the-food-standards-code http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/564/fsanz-proposes-changes-to-the-food-standards-code Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) this week released details of proposed changes to the Food Standards Code and invited comment from interested organisations and individuals. Among the changes under consideration are the approval of a GM corn, steviol as a high intensity sweetener, and food for special... Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:54:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/563/chinese-mushroom-scare-how-safe-are-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/563/chinese-mushroom-scare-how-safe-are-imports Vegetable industry peak body AUSVEG has expressed its concern about the level of vegetable imports from China, following reports by the Agence France-Presse from China of the discovery of mushrooms with unsafe whitening agents that can cause health problems including liver damage and skin allergies, uncovered by an... Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:44:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/562/yes-we-want-no-bananas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/562/yes-we-want-no-bananas Banana growers in far north Queensland aren't looking forward to a very merry Christmas. View article... Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:10:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/561/late-grape-season-for-menindee http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/561/late-grape-season-for-menindee Unusual weather and an outbreak of disease have made for an interesting year for table grape growers in Menindee, in the far west of NSW. View article... Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:09:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/560/watermelons-split-in-the-wet http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/560/watermelons-split-in-the-wet Thousands of tonnes of watermelons will be left out in the paddocks in south-east Queensland this summer. View article... Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:08:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/559/portion-sizes-are-the-new-2011-eating-trend-in-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/559/portion-sizes-are-the-new-2011-eating-trend-in-australia Research by Datamonitor, the independent market analyst firm, has revealed that Australian consumers prefer to control their portion sizes rather than adopt specific diet plans. In fact, the proportion of Australians who regularly make an effort to eat and drink smaller portions has increased to 46% in 2010... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:05:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/558/rain-makes-peas-mouldy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/558/rain-makes-peas-mouldy South Australian farmers are having field pea crops rejected due to damage from recent rains. View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:06:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/557/irrigation-scheme-approved-in-north-west-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/557/irrigation-scheme-approved-in-north-west-tasmania An irrigation scheme in Tasmania's fertile north-west has been given the final go-ahead. View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:29:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/556/southern-nsw-irrigators-have-plenty-of-water-at-last http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/556/southern-nsw-irrigators-have-plenty-of-water-at-last General security irrigators in the Riverina's Murrumbidgee Valley and the NSW Murray have full water allocations, for the first time in more than ten years. View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:27:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/555/first-commonwealth-supported-places-announced-for-university-of-sydneyas-masters-of-agriculture http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/555/first-commonwealth-supported-places-announced-for-university-of-sydneyas-masters-of-agriculture First Commonwealth Supported Places in the University of Sydney’s Masters of Agriculture means 70% reduction in fees and no upfront fees for students The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Sydney is offering, for the first time ever, Commonwealth Supported Places... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:12:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/554/financial-drought-grips-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/554/financial-drought-grips-farmers The drought may be over but a farm business consultant says many producers are still struggling. View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:04:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/553/waikato-in-drought http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/553/waikato-in-drought Waikato is officially in drought and Agriculture Minister David Carter today warned if it stays the dry the region is facing a very serious situation. View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:03:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/552/nz-monitors-aus-fruit-fly-alert http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/552/nz-monitors-aus-fruit-fly-alert Horticulture New Zealand is keeping track of Queensland fruit fly outbreaks in Australian fruit-growing areas deemed pest-free View article... Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:01:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/551/pacific-islander-work-scheme-more-flexible http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/551/pacific-islander-work-scheme-more-flexible A North Burnett citrus producer says there are greater incentives for horticulture workers to take up a Pacific Islander worker scheme, with changes made to the pilot program. View article... Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:42:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/550/drought-not-over-despite-rain-in-north http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/550/drought-not-over-despite-rain-in-north Rain sweeping across Auckland should perk up the tomato plants but it's little more than a tease for farmers. View article... Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:18:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/549/topsy-turvy-weather-could-cost-farmers-1b http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/549/topsy-turvy-weather-could-cost-farmers-1b The economic impact of the September storms and the dry start to summer could easily stretch to over $1 billion, BNZ economists say. View article... Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:17:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/548/head-of-group-fighting-psa-announced http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/548/head-of-group-fighting-psa-announced The organisation set up to lead the response to the bacterial disease PSA has appointed its general manger. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:35:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/547/baffling-berry-bush-growing-in-wa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/547/baffling-berry-bush-growing-in-wa A mystery berry variety is growing on a farm in the south-west of Western Australia. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:11:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/546/papaya-glut-forces-down-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/546/papaya-glut-forces-down-prices There's no shortage of papayas on the supermarket shelves at the moment, with the biggest crop on record this year. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:22:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/545/queensland-confident-of-blueberry-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/545/queensland-confident-of-blueberry-crop Blueberries could soon be grown in the tropics. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:21:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/543/low-rainfall-raises-drought-spread-fears http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/543/low-rainfall-raises-drought-spread-fears More parts of the country are likely succumb to drought over the next few weeks as dry conditions take their toll on farmland and force councils to start rationing water supplies. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:59:55 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/544/error-ridden-food-bowl-pitch-pulled-from-website http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/544/error-ridden-food-bowl-pitch-pulled-from-website An error-ridden document promoting Tasmania to New Zealand farmers has been pulled from a Government website. View article... Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:01:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/540/chinese-vegetable-prices-fall http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/540/chinese-vegetable-prices-fall The price of fresh vegetables in China has dropped significantly as the country’s ruling party takes measures to combat the rising rate of inflation there View article... Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:37:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/542/citrus-growers-welcome-changes-to-pacific-harvest-labour-scheme http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/542/citrus-growers-welcome-changes-to-pacific-harvest-labour-scheme The Federal Government has made changes to the Pacific Seasonal Worker Scheme to encourage more fruit growers to take it up. View article... Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:39:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/541/blighted-chestnut-trees-to-be-pulled-out http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/541/blighted-chestnut-trees-to-be-pulled-out Almost 4,500 chestnut trees will be destroyed in north-east Victoria. View article... Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:38:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/539/opportunities-for-carnarvon-mangoes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/539/opportunities-for-carnarvon-mangoes Recent heavy rains in Queensland have created a golden opportunity for mango growers in the north of Western Australia. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:02:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/538/wholesale-produce-prices-rising http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/538/wholesale-produce-prices-rising Wholesale prices for some fruit and vegetables have doubled due to flooding across eastern Australia. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:25:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/537/terrible-season-for-lychee-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/537/terrible-season-for-lychee-growers Growers in the Mackay district estimate that more than 150 tonnes of lychees have been eaten by flying foxes and parrots. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:23:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/536/drought-jeopardises-wa-citrus-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/536/drought-jeopardises-wa-citrus-crop Citrus producers in parts of Western Australia say next year's crop could be reduced because of the dry conditions this year. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:22:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/535/promising-season-for-red-centre-grapes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/535/promising-season-for-red-centre-grapes Despite being three weeks behind, one central Australian grape grower says this season's harvest is looking to be the best in ten years. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:24:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/534/progress-in-getting-agriculture-on-school-curriculum http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/534/progress-in-getting-agriculture-on-school-curriculum The leader of the group fighting for agriculture to be included in the national curriculum says that plan is one step closer. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:23:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/533/increasing-global-food-supplies-wont-increase-food-security-without-aid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/533/increasing-global-food-supplies-wont-increase-food-security-without-aid An international consultant to the World Food Program says that increasing food supply doesn't necessarily increase food security for the world's poor. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:53:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/532/korean-growers-replace-sunlight-with-led http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/532/korean-growers-replace-sunlight-with-led Producers in South Korea are reportedly using florescent lights to grow peppers as climate change limits sunlight View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:52:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/531/coles-berwick-a-format-of-things-to-come http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/531/coles-berwick-a-format-of-things-to-come Coles Berwick has been renovated for some while now, and the discussion point around the trade has been that this store is something of a hybrid between a Coles supermarket and a Kmart or a Target with extensive floor area devoted to a considerably expanded General Merchandise range. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:48:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/530/kiwifruit-worth-its-weight-in-gold-as-season-finishes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/530/kiwifruit-worth-its-weight-in-gold-as-season-finishes The price of kiwifruit has probably shot up in your local supermarket and gold fruit is getting scarce – but the disease PSA is only partly responsible. View article... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:47:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/529/food-prices-at-highest-level-for-over-two-years http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/529/food-prices-at-highest-level-for-over-two-years World food prices have climbed to their highest level for over two years, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said. The FAO said commodity price pressures show little sign of abating and food prices overall have undergone a surge. In the FAO’s latest Food Outlook Global Market Analysis... Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:50:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/528/chinese-apples-on-the-way http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/528/chinese-apples-on-the-way Apples from China are tipped to arrive in Australia just in time for Christmas. View article... Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:32:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/527/record-crops-expected-despite-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/527/record-crops-expected-despite-rain The Federal Government's agricultural forecaster says record crop yields are still expected, despite the impact of recent heavy rain in the country's east. View article... Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:31:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/526/farmers-anxious-about-looming-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/526/farmers-anxious-about-looming-rain Black storm clouds hover over grain crops in Victoria, as rain sweeps in from the west. View article... Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:30:42 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/525/growth-in-us-walnut-exports-to-asia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/525/growth-in-us-walnut-exports-to-asia Federally-funded promotional programmes have given Californian walnut exports to Asian markets a significant boost this year View article... Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:32:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/524/tonnes-of-fruit-and-veg-lost-to-drenching-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/524/tonnes-of-fruit-and-veg-lost-to-drenching-rain Fruit and vegetable growers around Emerald in central Queensland are reporting crop losses of up to 80 per cent after days of heavy rain. View article... Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:31:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/523/kiwifruit-growers-accept-psa-here-to-stay http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/523/kiwifruit-growers-accept-psa-here-to-stay New Zealand kiwifruit growers will learn to manage PSA, the industry accepting it cannot eradicate the canker. View article... Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:27:02 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/522/food-labelling-laws-must-be-stronger-now http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/522/food-labelling-laws-must-be-stronger-now The Food Regulation Ministerial Council will receive the Blewett report on national Food Labelling Law and Policy in Adelaide today but will not release it. Gene Ethics has called for immediate publication and says a delay of many months is unacceptable.”The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has no... Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:21:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/521/australia-maintains-strong-position-as-food-exporter http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/521/australia-maintains-strong-position-as-food-exporter Senator Joe Ludwig has released Australian Food Statistics 2009-10, and said Australia continues to be in a strong position as a food exporter. Read the media release. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:28:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/520/ministers-get-briefed-on-food-labelling http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/520/ministers-get-briefed-on-food-labelling Australian and New Zealand ministers are in Adelaide for a briefing on possible changes to food labelling laws. View article... Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:26:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/519/wto-rejects-nz-apple-import-appeal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/519/wto-rejects-nz-apple-import-appeal The Australian Government has accepted the Wold Trade Organisation Appellate Body’s decision to allow New Zealand apples to be imported into Australia, after an appeal was rejected this week. The Government said that it has accepted the decision and will now proceed with a science-based review of the import... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:33:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/518/spring-soaking-threatens-christmas-fruit-bowls http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/518/spring-soaking-threatens-christmas-fruit-bowls There may be slim pickings in Christmas fruit bowls this year as Australia's wettest spring on record and a rainy start to summer threatens fruit and grain harvests across the south-east. View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:06:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/517/mango-prices-to-double http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/517/mango-prices-to-double Consumers can expect to pay double for some types of mango this Christmas, a fruit wholesaler says. View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:31:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/516/central-australian-grape-harvest-held-back http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/516/central-australian-grape-harvest-held-back Good spring rains and unseasonal cool weather has delayed Central Australia's table grape harvest by almost a month. View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:17:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/515/crops-on-a-knife-edge-as-rain-soaks-south-east http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/515/crops-on-a-knife-edge-as-rain-soaks-south-east The National Farmers Federation (NFF) says grain and fruit harvests across south-eastern Australia are under serious and continued threat. View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:42:24 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/514/imported-wasp-helps-tackle-whitefly-pest http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/514/imported-wasp-helps-tackle-whitefly-pest The Queensland Department of Economic Development and Innovation says it is having success controlling a pest insect, thanks to the use of an imported wasp... View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:50:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/513/flying-fox-threatening-fruit-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/513/flying-fox-threatening-fruit-crops When the sun goes down, Craig Van Rooyen casts a nervous eye at the lychee orchard in the valley below his Bundaberg home. Mr Van Rooyen’s crop of young lychees is potentially worth $300,000 but is a sitting duck for flying fox infestations — leading him to spend $150,000 in a sophisticated deterrent... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:49:57 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/512/kiwifruit-industry-forms-body-to-manage-psa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/512/kiwifruit-industry-forms-body-to-manage-psa The $1.5 billion export kiwifruit industry has formed a new organisation to manage the outbreak of the destructive disease PSA which has now been confirmed in 100 orchards. View article... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:23:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/511/high-dollar-hits-food-export-earnings http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/511/high-dollar-hits-food-export-earnings The high Australian dollar has seen the value of the nation's food exports plunge by 13 per cent. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:36:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/510/one-year-on-with-unit-pricing-more-work-needed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/510/one-year-on-with-unit-pricing-more-work-needed CHOICE toasts the first birthday and success of unit pricing in supermarkets but says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) should come down harder on those who fail to comply with the pricing law.Unit pricing means that shelf labels and advertisements have to show the cost per unit of weight or... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:35:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/509/first-meeting-of-national-food-plan-group http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/509/first-meeting-of-national-food-plan-group A consumer advocate, supermarket director, and farm lobbyist are part of a group which will help the Federal Government draw up a National Food Plan. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:26:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/508/new-national-food-policy-working-group-established http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/508/new-national-food-policy-working-group-established The federal government has established a new working group to advise on the challenges and policies impacting on the future of Australia’s food supply and agriculture industry. The National Food Policy Working Group is being launched today, and will be made up of supermarket giants, farmers, service providers... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:25:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/507/survey-to-examine-cost-of-complying-with-food-safety-laws http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/507/survey-to-examine-cost-of-complying-with-food-safety-laws Australian fruit and vegetable farmers will be surveyed this month to find out how much it costs them to comply with food safety programs. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:21:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/506/florists-get-a-guide-to-wildflowers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/506/florists-get-a-guide-to-wildflowers For the first time, Australia's $50 million native flower industry has a set of quality specifications for its most popular cut blooms. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:34:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/505/washington-man-completes-60-day-potato-challenge http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/505/washington-man-completes-60-day-potato-challenge AN American man is preparing himself for a change of diet, after successfully eating his 1200th potato to as part of a 60-day challenge... Read more... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:20:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/504/apal-reluctantly-accepts-wto-apple-appeal-decision http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/504/apal-reluctantly-accepts-wto-apple-appeal-decision The Australian apple industry is extremely disappointed at the WTO decision to reject the Australian appeal in respect of apple imports from New Zealand. However, Chairman of the industry body representing Australian apple and pear growers, Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL), Darral Ashton, said that the... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:19:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/503/more-cherry-damage-from-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/503/more-cherry-damage-from-rain The rain continues to cause problems for cherry producers in NSW. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:25:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/502/australia-accepts-ruling-on-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/502/australia-accepts-ruling-on-apples Australia appears ready to bow to the demands of the world trade "umpire" and end its 90-year ban on New Zealand apples. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:29:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/501/panel-to-develop-national-food-plan http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/501/panel-to-develop-national-food-plan The Federal Government has set up an advisory group to help develop a plan for food production in Australia. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:29:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/500/organic-garlic-growers-try-to-opt-out-of-research-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/500/organic-garlic-growers-try-to-opt-out-of-research-levy Organic garlic growers don't want any part of a proposed research and development levy for the herb and spice industry. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:26:19 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/499/biosecurity-australia-investigates-kiwifruit-orchards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/499/biosecurity-australia-investigates-kiwifruit-orchards Australian kiwifruit growers who have imported pollen or nursery stock are being investigated by quarantine authorities. View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:25:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/498/eu-promotion-turns-to-kiwifruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/498/eu-promotion-turns-to-kiwifruit European Flavors project set to encourage greater consumption of EU kiwifruit in countries such as the US, Russia and Japan View article... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:20:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/497/choice-calls-afresha-food-into-question http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/497/choice-calls-afresha-food-into-question Consumer group CHOICE says that while advances in technology and transportation extends the shelf life of food, there is a price for availability and convenience in terms of nutrition and taste. A variety of techniques are used by the food industry to extend the shelf life of fresh foods, including atmospheric... Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:12:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/496/apple-decision-a-long-time-coming http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/496/apple-decision-a-long-time-coming The opening of a $30 million market should be accompanied by the popping of champagne corks, gluttonous feasting and boring speeches, but this one is different. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:38:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/495/growing-season-a-stunner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/495/growing-season-a-stunner A dream run of good weather has brought an early dose of Christmas cheer to Marlborough's cherry growers. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:26:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/494/growers-jubliant-at-apple-win http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/494/growers-jubliant-at-apple-win New Zealand’s fresh apple market will jump from four million people to 24 million with the lifting of an Australian ban on imports, according to jubilant apple growers. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:52:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/493/wto-apple-verdict-backs-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/493/wto-apple-verdict-backs-nz Trade minister Tim Groser has welcomed a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that says Australia's 90-year-old restrictions on New Zealand apples are unscientific and break international rules. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:51:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/492/half-the-young-cherry-crop-ruined http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/492/half-the-young-cherry-crop-ruined Up to 130 millimetres of rain over the past three days has wrecked the cherry crop at Young in NSW. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:50:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/491/ethnic-groups-to-get-more-say-in-herb-and-spice-industry-future http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/491/ethnic-groups-to-get-more-say-in-herb-and-spice-industry-future The Herb and Spice R and D levy proposal is getting a makeover in a number of different languages. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:49:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/490/australia-loses-wto-appeal-against-kiwi-apple-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/490/australia-loses-wto-appeal-against-kiwi-apple-imports Australia has lost its appeal at the World Trade Organisation against New Zealand apple imports. View article... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:48:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/489/fsanz-sets-up-high-level-consumer-and-public-health-group http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/489/fsanz-sets-up-high-level-consumer-and-public-health-group A new consultative forum, set up to facilitate more effective engagement between consumer and public health groups and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), will meet for the first time today.Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Chief Executive, Steve McCutcheon, said the Consumer and Public Health... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:04:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/488/fear-that-seed-imports-have-introduced-vegetable-virus http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/488/fear-that-seed-imports-have-introduced-vegetable-virus A Western Australian grower group says foreign seeds could be to blame for a devastating virus sweeping the Gascoyne. View article... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:06:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/487/new-cherry-campaign-hires-pick-of-the-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/487/new-cherry-campaign-hires-pick-of-the-crop A swimming champion and a world class chef have joined forces to promote Tasmania's cherry industry. View article... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:50:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/486/tariffs-increase-for-nz-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/486/tariffs-increase-for-nz-exports New Zealand horticultural exporters are now paying 19 per cent more in tariffs than in 2008, despite recent trade agreements View article... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:49:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/485/potato-industry-pushes-for-peak-body http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/485/potato-industry-pushes-for-peak-body There has been a fresh push to set up a peak potato industry body in South Australia. View article... Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:48:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/484/uk-publishes-country-of-origin-labelling-guide http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/484/uk-publishes-country-of-origin-labelling-guide UK food manufacturers and retailers yesterday published guidelines on country-of-origin labelling to encourage consistent information on food labels. The “principles on country-of-origin information”, drawn up by industry bodies including the British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:58:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/483/sa-spud-sector-sets-up-lobby-group http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/483/sa-spud-sector-sets-up-lobby-group South Australian potato growers are looking at setting up a new peak industry organisation. View article... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:18:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/482/terrible-season-for-lychees http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/482/terrible-season-for-lychees Too much rain and a warm winter has lead to a disastrous season for lychee growers in far north Queensland. View article... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:38:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/481/trade-barriers-continue-to-grow-despite-agreements http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/481/trade-barriers-continue-to-grow-despite-agreements Trade barriers to New Zealand's fruit and vegetables are growing despite recent trade agreements, according to a horticulture industry report. View article... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:59:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/480/canada-expands-blueberry-horizons http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/480/canada-expands-blueberry-horizons Canadian government pledges investment to help the blueberry sector focus on consolidating export destinations View article... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:48:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/479/more-talks-ahead-on-japan-trade-agreement http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/479/more-talks-ahead-on-japan-trade-agreement A trade deal between Australia and Japan could be one step closer, with the two countries agreeing to hold a new round of negotiations early next year. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:48:47 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/478/wet-summer-ahead-says-bureau http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/478/wet-summer-ahead-says-bureau The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a wet summer for most of Australia. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:16:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/477/a-new-market-for-small-avocados http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/477/a-new-market-for-small-avocados Avocados Australia CEO Mr Antony Allen today welcomed, as a milestone for the Australian avocado industry, the retail launch of AvoFresh and their seven new packaged fresh avocado products. The AvoFresh range is now available right alongside fresh-cut salads in the fresh produce section of every Woolworths store... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:08:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/476/holy-guacamole-a-new-way-to-preserve-avocadoes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/476/holy-guacamole-a-new-way-to-preserve-avocadoes Finding half an old, brown avocado in the fridge might soon be a thing of the past. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:07:11 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/475/big-cost-of-forbidden-fruit-to-aussies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/475/big-cost-of-forbidden-fruit-to-aussies The price to Australia of protecting its small but politically influential apple industry has been A$2 billion ($2.5b) - much more than the value of the industry to the national economy. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:52:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/474/apple-ban-a-policy-embarrassment http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/474/apple-ban-a-policy-embarrassment Australia's ban on New Zealand apple imports is bad for Aussie consumers, their economy, international reputation and a policy "embarrassment" for that country, says a public policy discussion paper. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:51:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/473/11-leading-restaurant-trends-for-2011 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/473/11-leading-restaurant-trends-for-2011 As the US begins to emerge from recession, restaurants are seeing lapsed customers return. Same-store sales are inching up, signaling the industry’s initial rebound to health; hiring is also up, signaling positive expectations for 2011. But this isn’t the same restaurant industry as before. Big changes... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:05:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/472/chinese-production-boost-to-control-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/472/chinese-production-boost-to-control-prices More vegetable production is needed to combat rising food prices, mandates the Chinese government View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:04:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/471/call-to-stop-artificial-pollination http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/471/call-to-stop-artificial-pollination Due to biosecurity concerns and to check the potential spread of Psa, Federated Farmers is calling for Kiwifruit ‘artificial pollination’ to be suspended. View article... Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:03:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/470/final-clock-off-for-mccains-workers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/470/final-clock-off-for-mccains-workers The last group of workers retrenched from McCain's vegetable processing factory at Smithton in Tasmania's north-west are clocking off permanently today. View article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:19:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/469/simplot-backs-down-on-pea-contract-cut http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/469/simplot-backs-down-on-pea-contract-cut A decision to cut the area of Tasmanian pea crops has been reversed. View article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:15:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/468/stage-2-opening-announced-55-million-south-australian-glasshouse http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/468/stage-2-opening-announced-55-million-south-australian-glasshouse A $25 million expansion of Australia’s largest truss tomato glasshouse incorporating innovative pad and fan climate control technology is nearing completion and expected to be officially opened on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. View Article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:46:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/467/kiwifruit-disease-confirmed-in-51-orchards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/467/kiwifruit-disease-confirmed-in-51-orchards Kiwifruit vine disease PSA has been confirmed in 51 orchards, industry marketer Zespri said today. View article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:42:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/466/disease-unlikely-to-raise-kiwifruit-price http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/466/disease-unlikely-to-raise-kiwifruit-price The bacterial disease plaguing the kiwifruit industry is unlikely push up the price of the fruit for New Zealand shoppers and should not affect a pay rise of nearly $14million projected for growers this season. View article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:27:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/465/nz-government-to-fund-plan-to-fight-kiwifruit-disease http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/465/nz-government-to-fund-plan-to-fight-kiwifruit-disease The New Zealand Government has pledged $NZ25 million for a plan to tackle the spread of the kiwifruit disease, PSA. View article... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:26:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/464/kiwifruit-bug-could-cost-75m http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/464/kiwifruit-bug-could-cost-75m A $25 million government package will help compensate kiwi fruit growers for losses from the PSA virus but the government says losses could be as high as $75 million. View article... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:13:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/463/being-cool-about-food-safety http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/463/being-cool-about-food-safety As summer heats up the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is encouraging people to be cool about food safety in the wake of a new study that shows three out of four Kiwi fridges are not running at the recommended cool temperature range of 2-4°C to keep food safe.NZFSA microbiology principal advisor Roger... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:12:23 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/462/disease-decimating-kiwifruit-orchards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/462/disease-decimating-kiwifruit-orchards New Zealand's agriculture ministry has conceded it probably will not be able to eradicate a disease affecting the country's billion-dollar kiwifruit industry. View article... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:11:43 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/461/italy-also-a-worry-for-kiwifruit-disease-says-grower http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/461/italy-also-a-worry-for-kiwifruit-disease-says-grower The number of New Zealand kiwifruit orchards confirmed with the vine disease PSA has risen to 25. View article... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:43:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/460/a-quick-taste-of-bundaberg-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/460/a-quick-taste-of-bundaberg-produce You've heard of speed dating, but what about speed tasting? View article... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:42:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/459/kiwifruit-bug-spreads http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/459/kiwifruit-bug-spreads The disease threatening the $1.5 billion export kiwifruit industry has now been found in 25 Te Puke orchards and four new cases have been confirmed outside this area, dashing hopes it can be contained to the Bay of Plenty. View article... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:31:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/458/kiwifruit-growers-ready-to-meet-minister http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/458/kiwifruit-growers-ready-to-meet-minister Kiwifruit growers were tonight thrashing out details of what they want from Biosecurity Minister David Carter in a support package for orchardists battling the bacteria causing vine cankers. View article... Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:30:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/457/cherries-crack-due-to-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/457/cherries-crack-due-to-rain A cherry grower from Young said the weekend's rain couldn't have fallen at a worse time. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:05:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/456/forest-and-bird-calls-for-kiwifruit-eradication http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/456/forest-and-bird-calls-for-kiwifruit-eradication Forest and Bird is calling for the eradication of wild kiwifruit vines in Bay of Plenty following an outbreak of the devastating PSA disease. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:04:34 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/455/greens-call-for-stronger-country-of-origin-labelling http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/455/greens-call-for-stronger-country-of-origin-labelling Australian Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne has called for more stringent and accurate labelling for locally produced and processed food, based on a strong response in the latest Roy Morgan poll on food labelling. “The poll results released this week show 90 percent of Australians are more likely to buy... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:03:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/454/kiwifruit-grower-support-top-priority http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/454/kiwifruit-grower-support-top-priority A support package for kiwifruit growers whose orchards have been struck by a potentially lethal bacteria disease will be at the top of the agenda at a meeting tomorrow between Agriculture Minister David Carter and industry leaders. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:03:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/453/mango-wine-seeks-new-markets http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/453/mango-wine-seeks-new-markets A central Australian mango wine maker is trying to crack the Singaporean and Mexican markets, after exporting to China for more than two years. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:04:20 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/452/sudden-simplot-cut-is-a-blow-to-tasmanian-pea-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/452/sudden-simplot-cut-is-a-blow-to-tasmanian-pea-growers Some Tasmanian pea growers have had their contracted crop area cut by 22 per cent, right on the point of sowing. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:37:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/451/national-bent-for-new-sa-marketing-role http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/451/national-bent-for-new-sa-marketing-role Industry body Citrus Australia hopes to boost citrus profitability at a national level with the creation of a new South Australian marketing role View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:37:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/450/kiwifruit-canker-vines-oozing-red-liquid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/450/kiwifruit-canker-vines-oozing-red-liquid The kiwifruit bacteria disease PSA has now infected 500 hectares of Bay of Plenty orchards, with "aggressive" efforts under way to try to curb its spread, says Bio-security Minister David Carter. View article... Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:36:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/449/more-cases-of-kiwifruit-disease-found http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/449/more-cases-of-kiwifruit-disease-found Fourteen New Zealand kiwifruit orchards have been quarantined, and 11 are now confirmed to have the vine disease PSA. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:38:01 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/448/wakatu-and-enza-in-6m-joint-venture http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/448/wakatu-and-enza-in-6m-joint-venture Wakatu Incorporation and ENZA are investing $6 million in a joint venture project that will see 40ha in Motueka planted with a variety of apple that's popular in Asian and North American markets. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:40:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/447/rain-hits-summer-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/447/rain-hits-summer-fruit Steady weekend rain has damaged early season cherries. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:00:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/446/kiwifruit-action-plan-could-be-some-time-off http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/446/kiwifruit-action-plan-could-be-some-time-off Kiwifruit organisation Zespri says an action plan to fight the bacterial disease outbreak in some Bay of Plenty orchards is still being finalised and could be some time off. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:27:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/445/retailers-set-agri-business-agenda http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/445/retailers-set-agri-business-agenda New Zealand's high-value agri-business markets in Britain, Europe and the United States are at the mercy of retailers setting arbitary environmental standards they imagine their customers want. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:45:36 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/444/central-western-queensland-gets-a-bucketing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/444/central-western-queensland-gets-a-bucketing Rain in central western Queensland over the weekend has seen daily record totals beaten in several locations. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:44:28 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/443/strategy-to-attack-kiwifruit-disease-plotted http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/443/strategy-to-attack-kiwifruit-disease-plotted Biosecurity and kiwifruit industry leaders are today expected to announce how they will attack the disease stalking the $1.5 billion export business in its Bay of Plenty heartland. View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:43:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/442/us-export-promotions-face-cuts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/442/us-export-promotions-face-cuts The Market Access Programme has been named on a list of bodies that could face budget cuts in the US View article... Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:42:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/441/nationals-call-for-suspension-of-kiwifruit-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/441/nationals-call-for-suspension-of-kiwifruit-imports Calls are being made to suspend imports of New Zealand kiwifruit after the discovery of the vine-killing disease PSA there. View article... Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:19:45 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/440/canker-not-as-bad-as-in-italy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/440/canker-not-as-bad-as-in-italy Growers in the Australian citrus industry believe establishing more single import desks in export destinations will help boost gate returns View article... Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:18:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/439/vegetable-body-reduces-research-funding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/439/vegetable-body-reduces-research-funding Ausveg is moving money away from research and development to pay Federal Government biosecurity fees. View article... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:37:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/438/hopes-of-a-fall-in-fertiliser-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/438/hopes-of-a-fall-in-fertiliser-prices The high Australian dollar and an increase in fertiliser supply are expected to work to farmers' advantage for next year's planting season. View article... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:36:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/437/kiwifruit-a-victim-of-monoculture-farming http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/437/kiwifruit-a-victim-of-monoculture-farming We shouldn't be surprised to see a serious outbreak of bacterial disease afflicting kiwifruit orchards and worrying the hell out of farmers in the Bay of Plenty and further afield. View article... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:51:52 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/436/kiwifruit-spraying-put-on-hold http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/436/kiwifruit-spraying-put-on-hold Spraying kiwifruit vines with copper spray in hopes of controlling the vine-killing bacteria PSA has been put on hold today as growers and experts discuss the consequences of the action. View article... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:12:17 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/435/maf-cautions-people-to-keep-away-from-kiwifruit-orchards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/435/maf-cautions-people-to-keep-away-from-kiwifruit-orchards MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF) requests members of the public and media representatives stay away from kiwifruit orchards. View article... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:11:13 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/434/growers-pine-for-better-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/434/growers-pine-for-better-prices Cool weather in Sydney and Melbourne has meant pineapple prices have taken a bit of a hit. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:02:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/433/three-years-of-buy-west-eat-best http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/433/three-years-of-buy-west-eat-best Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has predicted a bright future for the Buy West, Eat Best brand at a breakfast function to celebrate the program’s third anniversary. “The Buy West, Eat Best concept has been embraced by the Western Australian food industry - from small... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:40:53 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/432/kitchen-garden-program-to-keep-sprouting-young-chefs http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/432/kitchen-garden-program-to-keep-sprouting-young-chefs Thousands more Victorian school children will be growing, cooking and eating their own food at school thanks to an expansion of the successful Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.Education Minister Bronwyn Pike recently announced the Victorian Government would invest an additional $1.1 million in the program... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:40:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/431/pomegranate-potential-in-northern-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/431/pomegranate-potential-in-northern-tasmania Northern Tasmanian farmers are looking at starting to grow pomegranates for commercial crops. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:50:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/430/tasmanian-cherries-head-to-east-asia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/430/tasmanian-cherries-head-to-east-asia Tasmania's cherry industry is preparing for its first commercial sea freight exports to East Asian markets like Taiwan, Japan and Korea. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:17:35 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/429/kiwifruit-growers-to-meet http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/429/kiwifruit-growers-to-meet Nelson's 28 gold kiwifruit growers will meet on Friday to discuss the vine-killing disease that has hit the Bay of Plenty. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:16:29 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/428/tg-to-compensate-growers-for-high-dollar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/428/tg-to-compensate-growers-for-high-dollar Turners & Growers is to pay growers of Jazz apples $1 per tray as an additional one-off payment to compensate for the impact of the high New Zealand dollar. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:43:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/427/underreaction-could-see-kiwifruit-disease-spread http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/427/underreaction-could-see-kiwifruit-disease-spread As Agriculture Minister David Carter heads to a meeting with Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers today an industry expert is warning that underreaction to the vine canker disease could be fatal for the industry. View article... Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:37:03 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/426/jamie-oliver-opens-ministry-of-food-in-ipswitch http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/426/jamie-oliver-opens-ministry-of-food-in-ipswitch Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced that Queensland will be the first State to partner with Jamie Oliver’s highly successful Ministry of Food program, helping Queenslanders to prepare healthy meals at home with the support of world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver.. Bligh said a Ministry of Food Cooking... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:47:56 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/425/can-kylie-the-mango-outshine-the-kensington-pride http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/425/can-kylie-the-mango-outshine-the-kensington-pride New varieties of mangoes which promise to taste and look better then the famous Kensington Pride variety, have fared very well in a commercial trial based in Western Australia's Ord Valley. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:30:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/424/onions-try-to-boost-appeal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/424/onions-try-to-boost-appeal Australians aren't cooking as many onions as they used to, and it's prompted the industry to collect a marketing levy from growers. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:08:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/423/kiwifruit-fears-confirmed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/423/kiwifruit-fears-confirmed A devastating bacterial Kiwifruit disease has been confirmed in New Zealand, with the industry planning a series of emergency meetings today. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:53:08 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/422/tomato-grower-wins-grant-to-investigate-biomass-power http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/422/tomato-grower-wins-grant-to-investigate-biomass-power A Tasmanian greenhouse tomato grower has won a $10,000 travelling award to investigate the use of biomass power overseas. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:51:25 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/421/first-victims-of-kiwifruit-bacteria http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/421/first-victims-of-kiwifruit-bacteria Two listed companies are the first victims of a suspected incursion in New Zealand of a bacterial canker which has ripped through gold kiwifruit varieties overseas, particularly in Italy. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:50:40 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/420/push-for-nt-trial-of-gm-bananas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/420/push-for-nt-trial-of-gm-bananas A university wants to trial genetically modified bananas in the Darwin rural area to develop resistance to panama disease, also known as fusarium wilt. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:50:00 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/419/growers-plead-for-woolworths-to-buy-local http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/419/growers-plead-for-woolworths-to-buy-local A major supermarket chain says it has had to source its capsicums from overseas due to supply problems caused by the Bowen seedling poisoning incident, south of Townsville in north Queensland. View article... Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:48:46 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/418/mangoes-arrive-early-from-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/418/mangoes-arrive-early-from-queensland North Queensland mangoes are now on the supermarket shelves, and this year it's a little earlier than normal. View article... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:32:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/417/apple-growers-get-the-pip-as-the-bite-goes-on-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/417/apple-growers-get-the-pip-as-the-bite-goes-on-prices I have a braeburn apple each morning with my breakfast. I love the tangy sharpness of its taste. It could be my Swedish and Anglo-Saxon genes, because I am not alone in this. Apple lovers in Northern Europe buy almost all of our braeburns. View article... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:29:18 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/416/refreshing-citrus-innovations-at-brau-beviale http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/416/refreshing-citrus-innovations-at-brau-beviale Symrise is presenting its new beverage concepts at the Brau Beviale trade fair in Nuremberg. The focus this year is on NATURALLY CITRUS!®, emphasizing citrus as a multi-facetted classic in water, juice, soda, blended beer and liqueur. Today’s beverage market has more dimensions than ever before. Consumers... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:22:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/415/striking-woolworths-employees-review-latest-offer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/415/striking-woolworths-employees-review-latest-offer Woolworths employees from the Broadmeadows distribution warehouse in Melbourne are meeting to consider the company’s latest pay offer, after a conditional pay offer prompted a strike last Friday. The National Union of Workers said that the previous 3% pay rise offered to its Broadmeadows employees by the... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:21:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/414/citrus-industry-hopes-new-standards-will-lead-to-perfect-taste http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/414/citrus-industry-hopes-new-standards-will-lead-to-perfect-taste The citrus industry hopes a new quality assurance program will mean perfect tasting fruit on a regular basis. View article... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:43:22 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/413/buderim-ginger-forecasts-36-million-in-losses http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/413/buderim-ginger-forecasts-36-million-in-losses Queensland-based ginger, fruit and nut manufacturer Buderim Ginger has estimated its expected losses for 2010 at $3.6 million, hurt by the strong Australian dollar, drought conditions in its Hawaiian macadamia plantations, and slow-moving products. Ginger exports were particularly affected by the strength of the... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:42:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/412/victorian-cherries-late-but-looking-good http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/412/victorian-cherries-late-but-looking-good Cherry growers in Victoria are hoping the weather will warm up so they can start picking fruit. View article... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:41:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/411/farmers-to-save-thousands-on-herbicide-cost http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/411/farmers-to-save-thousands-on-herbicide-cost Farmers stand to save thousands of dollars a year following the decision to remove the 5 per cent import tax on the pre-emergent herbicide trifluralin. View article... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:40:41 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/410/tired-growers-wind-up-nt-mango-harvest http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/410/tired-growers-wind-up-nt-mango-harvest If you've been enjoying mangoes at your place, chances are they're from the Northern Territory. View article... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:40:05 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/409/masport-celebrates-a-century http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/409/masport-celebrates-a-century Iconic Kiwi company Masport is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a centenary staff reunion which will bring together some of the organisation’s most celebrated former employees. View article... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:39:12 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/408/apply-now-for-the-tip-murphy-scholarship-for-leadership-excellence http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/408/apply-now-for-the-tip-murphy-scholarship-for-leadership-excellence Apply Now: Sharpen Your Leadership Skills with the Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence Application deadline: November 5, 2010 Scholarship winner is awarded full registration and associated hotel expenses to one PMA or PMA Foundation for Industry Talent leadership event of his/her choice:... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:29:54 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/407/citrus-growers-struggle-with-market-access-and-exchange-rate http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/407/citrus-growers-struggle-with-market-access-and-exchange-rate International market access is the biggest issue facing Australian citrus growers. View article... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:25:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/406/keeping-crops-clean-in-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/406/keeping-crops-clean-in-nz The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is conducting a new study into how water and natural fertilisers - such as manures, biosolids and compost - are used by the horticultural industry. NZFSA specialist advisor Marion Castle says the study will help growers continue to produce safe fruits and vegetables and... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:16:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/405/packaging-trend-set-to-reduce-food-wastage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/405/packaging-trend-set-to-reduce-food-wastage Today’s consumers are offered a plethora of purchasing choices when it comes to food. The way that brands differentiate themselves dictates consumers’ purchasing decisions - this could be in terms of taste, branding and marketing, environmental credentials, health, convenience or packaging. In response... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:15:33 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/404/sunraysia-farmers-told-to-prepare-to-lose-drought-aid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/404/sunraysia-farmers-told-to-prepare-to-lose-drought-aid Rural financial counsellors in the irrigation district of Sunraysia are warning farmers to prepare for the suspension of drought relief payments early next year. View article... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:05:07 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/403/backyard-bananas-blight-fight-against-buncy-top http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/403/backyard-bananas-blight-fight-against-buncy-top The banana industry is on track to eradicate the devastating bunchy top disease, but illegal backyard planting still poses a threat. View article... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:04:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/402/dollar-pips-prices-for-fruit-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/402/dollar-pips-prices-for-fruit-exports Food exporters could drop their prices to remain competitive in international markets, as the Australian dollar reaches a 28-year high. View article... Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:03:21 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/401/live-news-updates http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/401/live-news-updates Australian News: ABC National Rural news New Zealand News: Stuff.co.nz - Farming if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('acaf4af1-c0f1-4146-8c0f-8208beb94f41');Get the Rural & Farming News in NZ - Stuff.co.nz | Stuff. widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a... Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:51:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/400/potato-growers-reluctantly-accept-lower-price http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/400/potato-growers-reluctantly-accept-lower-price Tasmanian potato growers supplying Simplot have reluctantly agreed to a $25 cut per tonne of potatoes grown this season. View article... Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:19:37 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/399/irrigation-cuts-welcomed-by-some-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/399/irrigation-cuts-welcomed-by-some-farmers Some in agriculture have welcomed the proposed cuts and the MDBA's focus on the environment. View article... Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:18:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/398/korean-fruit-and-vegetable-prices-skyrocket http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/398/korean-fruit-and-vegetable-prices-skyrocket Korean consumers are feeling the pinch, with the price of some staple foods seeing the highest price increases in almost 30 years, during September View article... Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:17:50 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/397/garlic-sets-new-standards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/397/garlic-sets-new-standards New marketing standards for organic and biodynamic garlic has been launched on the NSW mid-north coast. View article... Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:30:27 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/396/asian-buyers-likely-for-mr-apple http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/396/asian-buyers-likely-for-mr-apple Cash-rich Chinese and Japanese food companies are thought to be the only potential buyers with enough money to risk sinking into New Zealand's biggest pipfruit business, Mr Apple, to be put on the market by South Canterbury Finance receivers. View article... Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:29:09 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/395/harvest-hopes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/395/harvest-hopes Pipfruit growers are "quietly" expecting a good apple crop, and praying the New Zealand exchange rate will drop. View article... Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:51:14 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/394/mr-apple-looking-for-suitor http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/394/mr-apple-looking-for-suitor New Zealand's biggest pipfruit business, Mr Apple, is about to be put on the market by the receivers of South Canterbury Finance. View article... Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:50:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/393/pepsico-eyes-fruit-veg-dairy-with-nutrition-unit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/393/pepsico-eyes-fruit-veg-dairy-with-nutrition-unit PepsiCo is to create a nutrition business unit to develop new products in a series of food categories. The US food and drink giant said yesterday (7 October) that it has set up a “global nutrition group” to “deliver breakthrough innovation” in fruit and vegetables, grains, dairy and... Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:25:15 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/392/compac-gains-funding-boost http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/392/compac-gains-funding-boost The New Zealand-owned company has won financial backing from the government to create machinery to grade delicate and irregular-shaped fruit View article... Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:17:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/391/consumers-hold-the-key-to-saas-food-industry-growth http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/391/consumers-hold-the-key-to-saas-food-industry-growth Listening to consumers and monitoring consumer trends is vital if the South Australian food industry is to increase its competitiveness, according to a new food industry market intelligence report. South Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Michael O’Brien last night released the report entitled... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:37:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/390/former-rewards-mango-crop-being-picked http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/390/former-rewards-mango-crop-being-picked There was speculation it would not happen, but picking has begun in Western Australia's largest mango plantation in the Ord Valley. View article... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:10:38 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/389/fruit-and-veg-to-get-a-kick-from-new-science-centre http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/389/fruit-and-veg-to-get-a-kick-from-new-science-centre The recently launched Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains opens the door to a new era of food science research that spells good news for Queensland’s fruit and vegetable lovers. The new precinct provides a ‘Centre of Excellence’ that will take Queensland food research to new... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:18:10 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/388/growers-have-lost-heart http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/388/growers-have-lost-heart Pipfruit growers in the Tasman region are under financial strain, have "lost heart" and want government help to get more cohesion in the industry. View article... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:27:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/387/the-biggest-tuber http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/387/the-biggest-tuber One of the world's largest sweet potatoes has been unearthed in Western Australia's north-west. View article... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:15:51 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/386/urban-horticulture-tackles-poverty http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/386/urban-horticulture-tackles-poverty As city populations in developing nations swell, a UN body is championing urban horticulture to create more sustainable futures View article... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:24:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/385/us-trade-partners-re-double-efforts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/385/us-trade-partners-re-double-efforts New analysis shows food safety regulatory progress by top five fruit and vegetable exporting nations to the US ... View article... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:23:39 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/384/innovative-orchardist-wins-science-award http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/384/innovative-orchardist-wins-science-award Yarra Valley apple orchardist Kevin Sanders has won the 2010 Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) $10,000 Hugh McKay Future Farming Award, one of four annual awards for excellence and innovation in agriculture science. The award was in recognition of a unique approach to apple production, which has... Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:10:44 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/383/optimism-about-bundaberg-farmers-market http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/383/optimism-about-bundaberg-farmers-market The proponent of a farmers market for Queensland's Bundaberg food bowl is hopeful it will have the support of local producers. View article... Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:06:26 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/382/tesco-h1-driven-by-international-operations http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/382/tesco-h1-driven-by-international-operations Tesco posted a 16% rise in profits for the first half of its fiscal year on the back of strong international results. The UK retailer announced yesterday (5 October) that its net profit reached GBP1.19bn (US$1.89bn) for the 26 weeks ended 28 August, against GBP1.03bn in the same period of 2009. Turnover was up 8.3%... Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:52:06 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/381/vietnamese-growers-toast-beer-bug-bait http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/381/vietnamese-growers-toast-beer-bug-bait An Australian "bug bait" made from brewery waste is helping Vietnamese dragon fruit growers double their profits View article... Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:50:48 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/380/fewer-mangoes-better-prices-in-the-kimberley http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/380/fewer-mangoes-better-prices-in-the-kimberley Picking will begin in Western Australia's largest mango plantation this week, which means prices for mangoes will start to ease for consumers and other mango producers in WA. View article... Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:11:04 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/379/banana-prices-too-low-for-profits http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/379/banana-prices-too-low-for-profits Banana farmers say they're struggling to remain profitable, because of a big fall in prices. View article... Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:55:49 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/378/mangoes-from-collapsed-managed-investment-scheme-will-get-to-market http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/378/mangoes-from-collapsed-managed-investment-scheme-will-get-to-market It appears the fruit from Western Australia's largest mango plantation will make it to the Perth market this year, despite its packing facilities being locked up by receivers. View article... Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:54:59 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/377/tasmanian-onion-crop-finally-planted http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/377/tasmanian-onion-crop-finally-planted Tasmanian onion crops are in the ground, after five months of dodging the rain. View article... Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:08:30 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/376/citrus-growers-angry-about-reduced-border-security http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/376/citrus-growers-angry-about-reduced-border-security South Australian Riverland producers are concerned about their state Agriculture Minister's decision to remove midnight security from the Yamba roadblock, at the Victorian border. View article... Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:12:16 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/375/bad-wrap-the-high-cost-of-convenience http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/375/bad-wrap-the-high-cost-of-convenience Would you pay $24 a kilogram for air and a bit of plastic? Obviously not. But that's about what shoppers who buy packed lettuce from supermarkets fork out when they opt for convenience over an unadorned, unwashed vegetable... View article... Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:43:58 +1100 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/374/growing-food-in-greener-cities http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/374/growing-food-in-greener-cities The concept of “green cities” is usually associated with urban planning in the more developed world. But it has a special application, and significantly different social and economic dimensions, in low-income developing countries. As cities grow, valuable agricultural land is lost to housing, industry... Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:54:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/373/costco-reports-success-of-first-australian-store http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/373/costco-reports-success-of-first-australian-store As Costco prepares to open its Sydney store in 2011, the retailer, famous for its bulk products, has reported some initial success with its first Australian warehouse in Melbourne, opened in August 2009. The American members-only warehouse chain Costco generated sales of $9 million in its first two weeks, and... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:55:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/372/foreign-vegetables-an-increasing-concern-for-australian-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/372/foreign-vegetables-an-increasing-concern-for-australian-growers Vegetable industry body Ausveg is demanding changes to food labelling laws to discourage consumers from buying imported vegetables. View article... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:47:35 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/371/cool-news-for-avocados http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/371/cool-news-for-avocados An avocado trial block is being developed in South Australia's Riverland, to determine how to best grow the fruit in cooler climates. View article... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:46:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/370/nz-investment-boost-for-apple-pear-sector http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/370/nz-investment-boost-for-apple-pear-sector The Government has announced a $21.6 million investment into a seven-year project to develop new apple and pear varieties to boost New Zealand's export potential. View article... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:24:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/369/asian-demand-to-drive-up-aus-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/369/asian-demand-to-drive-up-aus-prices Australia's growers could benefit from increased demand in Asia for high-quality fresh produce, researchers reveal View article... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:23:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/368/vietnamese-consumers-vote-vietgap http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/368/vietnamese-consumers-vote-vietgap Domestic demand for VietGAP-certified vegetables is growing in Vietnam, despite their higher price View article... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:22:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/367/chestnut-growers-want-compo-for-tackling-disease http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/367/chestnut-growers-want-compo-for-tackling-disease Chestnut growers are concerned they won't get compensation for trying to eradicate an exotic pest from their crops. View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:48:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/366/fruit-fly-detection-in-australiaas-riverina http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/366/fruit-fly-detection-in-australiaas-riverina A Queensland fruit fly outbreak in Australia’s Riverina district has stumbled exports to New Zealand and the Pacific islands View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:52:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/365/likely-increase-in-food-demand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/365/likely-increase-in-food-demand Rapid urbanisation and increasing wealth of Asia's emerging economic superpowers are likely to cause food prices to soar. View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:31:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/364/nz-growers-battle-the-elements http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/364/nz-growers-battle-the-elements Wet and windy weather in New Zealand is damaging crops and hampering fruit production View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:30:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/363/australian-group-launches-new-potato http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/363/australian-group-launches-new-potato The South Australian Potato Company has released its new Kestrel variety, marketing it under a “Purple = Taste” campaign View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:30:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/362/enza-eyes-global-growth-for-kiwifruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/362/enza-eyes-global-growth-for-kiwifruit Company unveils programme for MEGAkiwi brand in Europe, as well as expansion plans in major markets such as Asia and the US View article... Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:29:12 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/361/fresh-food-prices-could-soar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/361/fresh-food-prices-could-soar A food security summit in Brisbane is hearing fresh food could soon be unattainable for some people. View article... Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:47:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/360/hal-funding-for-citrus-mapping-project http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/360/hal-funding-for-citrus-mapping-project The citrus industry in Australia’s Riverina area is set to reap the benefits of a new satellite-mapping project. View article... Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:50:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/359/bad-weather-has-fruit-and-vege-prices-soaring http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/359/bad-weather-has-fruit-and-vege-prices-soaring Fruit and vegetable prices are skyrocketing in Wellington, as the effects of bad weather hits customers in the pocket. View article... Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:10:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/358/bore-caution-recommended http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/358/bore-caution-recommended Irrigation New Zealand still advises caution when starting bore pumps earthquake affected zones. View article... Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:09:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/357/push-on-for-2010-farmers-market http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/357/push-on-for-2010-farmers-market The man behind plans for the Bundaberg Farmers Market says he believes the project could be up and running by Christmas this year. View article... Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:04:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/356/new-super-pea-to-be-launched-on-wednesday http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/356/new-super-pea-to-be-launched-on-wednesday A new variety of field pea with improved disease resistance and higher yields will be unveiled when the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute hosts the Sustainable Futures Forum and Field Day at Narrabri on Wednesday 29 September.Plant Breeding Institute Officer in Charge, Steve Moore said the new... Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:39:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/355/mushroom-giant-to-shut-waikato-site http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/355/mushroom-giant-to-shut-waikato-site Meadow Mushrooms is to consolidate its mushroom production in Canterbury and close its Morrinsville operations, affecting 160 staff. View article... Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:53:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/354/potato-growers-unhappy-with-mccain-offer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/354/potato-growers-unhappy-with-mccain-offer Ballarat potato growers fear for their future in the industry, after the latest contract offer from McCain Foods. View article... Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:06:55 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/353/wet-weather-dampens-lychee-crop-in-qld http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/353/wet-weather-dampens-lychee-crop-in-qld There'll be fewer lychees on the supermarket shelves this summer. View article... Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:06:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/352/nz-govt-we-will-help-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/352/nz-govt-we-will-help-farmers Help has been promised to Southland farmers trying to cope with the worst spring storm in living memory. View article... Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:34:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/351/consumers-strongly-attuned-to-food-safety http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/351/consumers-strongly-attuned-to-food-safety New research from Michigan State University has shown what anecdotal evidence has long suggested: that headlines about food poisoning outbreaks and tainted foods affect consumer spending and purchasing decisions. Consumers are not only quite attuned to food safety issues, but they also have significantly changed... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:45:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/349/healthy-message-the-key-to-better-fruit-and-veg-sales http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/349/healthy-message-the-key-to-better-fruit-and-veg-sales Fruit and vegetable producers are being challenged to join with government and retailers to present a consistent healthy message. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:35:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/350/seed-sales-boom-expected-thanks-to-eastern-rain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/350/seed-sales-boom-expected-thanks-to-eastern-rain Rain in the Eastern States is increasing demand for seed, as growers look to take advantage of the favourable conditions and carry out major plantings. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:38:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/348/rewards-group-hits-back-at-ord-mango-crop-claims http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/348/rewards-group-hits-back-at-ord-mango-crop-claims Suggestions that mangoes in Western Australia's Ord Valley will be left to rot, are labelled as "completely incorrect" by the Rewards Growers Advocacy Group (RGAG). View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:02:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/347/tassie-potato-growers-face-big-cut-in-contract-price http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/347/tassie-potato-growers-face-big-cut-in-contract-price Tasmanian potato growers supplying McCain have agreed on a price cut of $26.50 per tonne for this season. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:00:56 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/342/australian-produce-sales-flat-michael-worthington-interviewed-by-abc-tasmania http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/342/australian-produce-sales-flat-michael-worthington-interviewed-by-abc-tasmania Australian fresh produce sales are stagnating despite significant spending on promotions View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:52:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/346/farmers-turn-to-twitter-to-market-their-produce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/346/farmers-turn-to-twitter-to-market-their-produce Farmers across Australia are increasingly using the social media network Twitter to promote their businesses and access news relevant to their industry. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:56:52 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/345/growing-future-horticulturalists http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/345/growing-future-horticulturalists The next generation of horticulturalists is being cultivated in the Darwin rural area. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:56:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/344/herb-growers-push-for-rd-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/344/herb-growers-push-for-rd-levy The $70 million Australian Herb and Spice Industry Association is pushing for a compulsory research and development levy. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:54:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/343/queensland-vegie-producers-to-count-cost-of-rains http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/343/queensland-vegie-producers-to-count-cost-of-rains A north Queensland horticulturalist says they're waiting to see if recent rains is going to mean loss in produce. View article... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:53:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/341/potato-growers-chip-away-at-pricing-deal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/341/potato-growers-chip-away-at-pricing-deal Potato growers in the Ballarat region are continuing negotiations over pricing for the next harvest with the food processor McCain. View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:08:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/340/imported-asparagus-labelled-as-local http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/340/imported-asparagus-labelled-as-local A company run by the 2009 AusVeg Grower of the Year has been ordered to pay $26,000 in fines and legal costs after relabelling imported asparagus from Peru as local. View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:49:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/339/joint-venture-nuts-out-macadamia-expansion-plans http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/339/joint-venture-nuts-out-macadamia-expansion-plans Bundaberg Sugar says its macadamia nut production will expand with a new facility planned for its Bingera mill site in southern Queensland. View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:12:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/338/from-farm-to-fork-safer-food-and-lasting-longer-vodcast-17-sep-10 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/338/from-farm-to-fork-safer-food-and-lasting-longer-vodcast-17-sep-10 In this vodcast, we visit CSIRO's Food Processing Centre in Werribee to meet scientists who show us the very latest food processing technologies they work on that can make better - and better tasting - foods than ever before. (9:56) View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:43:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/337/nz-party-calls-for-produce-border-checks http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/337/nz-party-calls-for-produce-border-checks New Zealand's Green Party is calling for border tests to be carried out on imported produce, after revealing that contaminant checks only take place once produce hits shelves View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:31:09 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/336/enza-launches-taste-flavour-promotion http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/336/enza-launches-taste-flavour-promotion Recipe series designed to promote company's collection of premium apple and pear varieties to discerning consumers View article... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:30:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/335/new-nz-bred-pear-launched http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/335/new-nz-bred-pear-launched A Kiwi-bred pear which has oriental heritage has just been introduced to the world. View article... Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:09:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/334/thorpedo-becomes-a-cherry-salesman http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/334/thorpedo-becomes-a-cherry-salesman A Tasmanian cherry grower is enlisting a sporting icon to help sell more of his fruit to Japan. View article... Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:07:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/333/police-raid-bowen-properties-over-seedlings-poisoning-case http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/333/police-raid-bowen-properties-over-seedlings-poisoning-case Police are examining material seized in raids near Bowen as part of investigations into the poisoning of fruit and vegetable seedlings. View article... Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:26:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/332/sa-leak-flags-regional-cuts-higher-mining-royalties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/332/sa-leak-flags-regional-cuts-higher-mining-royalties Billion dollar Budget cuts to regional areas have been leaked to the South Australian media, ahead of the Treasurer's formal release tomorrow. View article... Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:25:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/331/drought-tolerent-field-peas-released-in-wa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/331/drought-tolerent-field-peas-released-in-wa Field pea plantings in Western Australia could increase by more than 20 per cent in the coming couple of years. View article... Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:03:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/330/nz-farmers-worried-their-water-has-gone-underground http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/330/nz-farmers-worried-their-water-has-gone-underground Earthquake-affected New Zealand farmers are watching anxiously for signs the water will flow when the irrigation season starts next month. View article... Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:10:26 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/329/chestnut-disease-suspected-in-victoria http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/329/chestnut-disease-suspected-in-victoria An exotic plant disease may have been found in Australia for the first time. View article... Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:09:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/328/world-first-opens-markets-for-wa-potato-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/328/world-first-opens-markets-for-wa-potato-growers Western Australia’s $45million potato industry is poised to regain access to valuable international markets after being cleared of the devastating pest, potato cyst nematode. Following more than two decades of rigorous testing and surveillance, Western Australia has been reinstated as a potato cyst nematode... Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:17:59 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/327/book-review-the-coming-famine http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/327/book-review-the-coming-famine Author, journalist and science writer Julian Cribb has created a sobering text in The Coming Famine: The global food crisis and what we can do to avoid it, from CSIRO Publishing. Cribb’s view of the global food crisis paints a frightening picture: demand for food slowly outstripping supply, food... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:42:23 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/326/irrigation-a-priority-for-quake-hit-kiwi-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/326/irrigation-a-priority-for-quake-hit-kiwi-farmers The New Zealand Farmers Federation says checking bores and water pipes ahead of the irrigation season is the next priority for receovery from last week's earthquake. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:54:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/325/riverland-economy-tries-to-diversify http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/325/riverland-economy-tries-to-diversify A $20 million plan to revitalise South Australia's Riverland region has been unveiled. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:53:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/324/no-surprises-from-new-agriculture-minister http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/324/no-surprises-from-new-agriculture-minister Australia's new Agriculture Minister says he will continue reforming both drought assistance and the biosecurity system. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:52:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/323/potato-cyst-nematode-eliminated-in-wa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/323/potato-cyst-nematode-eliminated-in-wa After a battle lasting almost 25 years, Western Australia's $45 million potato industry has been declared free of the devastating potato cyst nematode. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:19:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/322/thai-retailers-inspect-queensland-avos http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/322/thai-retailers-inspect-queensland-avos A group of retailers from Bangkok are in Queensland this week to see how avocados are grown, picked and packed. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:19:12 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/321/smaller-nt-mango-crop-expected http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/321/smaller-nt-mango-crop-expected The Northern Territory mango harvest will soon be in full swing, but yields are expected to be substantially down on last year. View article... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:23:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/320/sbs-to-launch-food-magazine http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/320/sbs-to-launch-food-magazine National broadcaster SBS is getting set to launch its own periodic magazine for the first time. The premium glossy magazine is based on SBS food television programs, with the inaugural issue due to be released in the first half of 2011. The magazine is currently in the early stages of development while the SBS... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:00:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/319/nt-reviews-its-biosecurity http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/319/nt-reviews-its-biosecurity The Northern Territory Government has started reviewing its biosecurity processes for the first time in 15 years. View article... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:10:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/318/mis-collapse-could-keep-mango-shed-shut http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/318/mis-collapse-could-keep-mango-shed-shut Western Australia's largest mango packing shed might not get used this year, as problems continue between the failed managed investment company Rewards Group and the administrators and receivers. View article... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:35:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/317/bundaberg-declares-war-on-fruit-and-vegie-pests http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/317/bundaberg-declares-war-on-fruit-and-vegie-pests More than 30 pests that threaten the horticulture sector are in the sights of the Bundaberg community in south-east Queensland. View article... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:34:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/316/big-reshuffle-for-rural-portfolios http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/316/big-reshuffle-for-rural-portfolios Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced her new ministry over the weekend, handing Joe Ludwig the agriculture, fisheries and forestry portfolio. View article... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:33:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/315/stores-weave-seen-coles-first-choice-tooronga http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/315/stores-weave-seen-coles-first-choice-tooronga These are completely new stores in a brand new centre that sits adjacent to the Coles HO, replacing a tired old centre that was a joke quite honestly – any supplier worth their salt would known both the old centre and the new one – hopefully any way… The new Stockland centre is not completed as... Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:29:49 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/314/another-chip-off-the-potato-price http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/314/another-chip-off-the-potato-price A high Australian dollar and oversupply of imports have lead to potato farmers in South Australia's south-east to receive a cut in prices. View article... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:29:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/313/seed-potatoes-looking-stronger http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/313/seed-potatoes-looking-stronger The potato industry is saving on one of its main costs, the seed potato tubers used to propagate crops. View article... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:28:14 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/312/dams-get-a-years-worth-of-water-in-a-week http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/312/dams-get-a-years-worth-of-water-in-a-week While the floods have caused damage to farms, irrigators are enjoying large increases in water held in storage. View article... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:43:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/311/20m-plan-aims-to-boost-riverland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/311/20m-plan-aims-to-boost-riverland Retirement living, tourism, business development, education and the food and beverage industries as seen as the way forward for the South Australian Riverland. View article... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:42:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/310/decrease-in-food-safety-training-a-aticking-time-bomba http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/310/decrease-in-food-safety-training-a-aticking-time-bomba Food businesses are cutting back on food safety and hygiene training, according to a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).The survey, which took place in the second week of August was sent out to 5000 food safety trainers and training centres.Around 50 percent of trainers... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:41:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/309/local-farmers-encourage-kids-to-get-a-healthy-start-to-their-day http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/309/local-farmers-encourage-kids-to-get-a-healthy-start-to-their-day Local farmers Tony and Sandra Ceravolo are helping teach kids at Enfield Primary School about fruit grown in their local area and the importance of eating fresh fruit. They visited Enfield Primary School on Tuesday 7 September 2010 from 10am on behalf of Coles and the Red Cross Good Start Breakfast Club program... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:41:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/308/beet-le-juice http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/308/beet-le-juice Once strictly the domain of a ploughman’s lunch, beetroot is now also a colourful addition to the breakfast table. Sales of beetroot juice at UK retailer Waitrose have shot up with demand for the purple-hued drink rising by 82 per cent in the past year. This sharp rise in popularity is outpacing the [...] ... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:39:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/307/aldi-plans-assault-after-local-profits-jump http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/307/aldi-plans-assault-after-local-profits-jump Aldi is planning a fresh assault on the Australian market after seeing its local profits in jump by more than a quarter in 2009.The discount retail giant confirmed yesterday (9 September) that it plans to spend A$1bn (US$925.8m) to further expand in Australia. The retailer is already expanding its distribution and... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:39:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/306/companies-quizzed-on-marketing-to-kids http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/306/companies-quizzed-on-marketing-to-kids Chiquita, Del Monte and Dole among 48 companies which received August subpoenas from the Federal Trade Commission View article... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:38:38 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/305/aussie-frozen-vegie-campaign-has-little-impact http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/305/aussie-frozen-vegie-campaign-has-little-impact Australian consumers have failed to respond to a 'Buy Australian' vegetable campaign that was launched six months ago. View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:36:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/304/farms-go-under-as-floods-peak http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/304/farms-go-under-as-floods-peak Floodwater is still moving throughout Victoria, submerging farms. View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:47:25 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/303/not-enough-rockmelons-to-go-round-in-wa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/303/not-enough-rockmelons-to-go-round-in-wa The price of rockmelons in Western Australia has gone through the roof, due to a critically short supply of produce coming out of the Ord Irrigation Area. View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:11:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/302/chips-are-down-for-spud-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/302/chips-are-down-for-spud-growers Potato farmers in the south-east of South Australia have finalised negotiations with buyer McCain and will take a cut of $26.50 per tonne on current prices. View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:10:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/301/federated-farmers-canterbury-update http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/301/federated-farmers-canterbury-update Federated Farmers gives information on the services available to farmers, roads, banks and what they need to check after the quake and after shocks. View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:10:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/300/nz-growers-spared-earthquake-damage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/300/nz-growers-spared-earthquake-damage Growers in New Zealand's Canterbury region have so far been spared significant damage from last Saturday's earthquake and subsequent aftershocks View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:53:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/299/coles-among-leaders-in-sqf http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/299/coles-among-leaders-in-sqf The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) recognized four companies — Coles Supermarkets, Silliker Inc., NSF International and Stemilt Growers — for their commitment to the SQF program during an award presentation at the SQF International Conference in Melbourne, Australia... View article... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:48:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/298/meeting-for-canterbury-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/298/meeting-for-canterbury-farmers Federated Farmers will hold a meeting for Canterbury farmers about the earthquake tomorrow, Thursday, 9 September, at Darfield High School, 7 McLaughlins Rd, Darfield, from 4.30-6.30pm. View article... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:44:13 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/297/masterchef-live-now-taking-applications http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/297/masterchef-live-now-taking-applications A brand new event is launching in Sydney this December that will bring Australia’s favourite cooking show to life and is set to be the hottest ticket in town for anyone in the food and beverage industry - MasterChef Live. With the phenomenal success of the last two television series, the new live event will... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:43:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/296/package-a-agood-starta-for-rural-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/296/package-a-agood-starta-for-rural-australia The Deputy Director of the National Institute for Rural and Regional Australia (NIRRA) has welcomed the package for rural and regional Australia announced by the government, but says more needs to be done to ensure long-term sustainability for regional communities.Dr Anthony Hogan, Fellow in Rural Health at the... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:42:26 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/295/australia-breeds-new-pineapple http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/295/australia-breeds-new-pineapple Australian scientists claim to have bred a new pineapple with double the Vitamin C of existing varieties View article... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:41:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/294/australian-food-industry-welcomes-new-gillard-government http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/294/australian-food-industry-welcomes-new-gillard-government Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing industry has welcomed the new Gillard Government, with announcements from the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and Australian Retailers Association, stating that they looked forward to working with the new government on a range of issues. Commenting on... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:40:51 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/293/vitamin-d-fortified-mushrooms-to-hit-aussie-shelves http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/293/vitamin-d-fortified-mushrooms-to-hit-aussie-shelves South Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Michael O’Brien said last night that moves towards vitamin D fortified mushrooms would bolster the South Australian mushroom industry, an important supplier for Australia’s second-biggest vegetable crop. The Australian Mushroom Growers Association said in... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:40:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/292/out-of-the-dark-come-super-mushrooms http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/292/out-of-the-dark-come-super-mushrooms Mushrooms with additional vitamin D are about to go on the market. View article... Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:26:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/291/chips-are-down-for-world-potato-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/291/chips-are-down-for-world-potato-growers Potato processor Simplot has told Tasmanian growers the world market is paying 30 per cent less this year. View article... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:24:55 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/290/canterbury-quake-update http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/290/canterbury-quake-update Federated Farmers is now collating damage reports to farm infrastructure in North Canterbury 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646). The 0800 number is now collating reports of damage and to gauge where urgent labour may be needed. Please note call volumes are heavy and we ask for your patience. View article... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:24:05 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/289/apvma-prepared-to-approve-more-organic-locust-sprays http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/289/apvma-prepared-to-approve-more-organic-locust-sprays Australia's pesticide regulator says it could approve more organic locust sprays if industry makes a request. View article... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:23:25 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/288/queensland-perfect-one-day-perfect-rain-the-next http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/288/queensland-perfect-one-day-perfect-rain-the-next Farmers in Queensland say the steady weekend rain has been perfect. View article... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:22:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/287/nz-kiwi-waste-gets-spived-up http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/287/nz-kiwi-waste-gets-spived-up Researchers in New Zealand have succeeded in transforming kiwifruit waste into plastic spoons. View article... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:21:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/286/chilean-discounting-hurts-australian-exports-to-the-us http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/286/chilean-discounting-hurts-australian-exports-to-the-us An influx of Chilean fruit has hindered Australian exports to the United States. View article... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:45:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/285/farmers-should-own-soil-carbon-says-report http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/285/farmers-should-own-soil-carbon-says-report A Victorian Parliamentary committee report has found farmers should own the carbon in their soil. View article... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:50:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/284/potato-growers-struggling-with-tasmanian-contract-negotiations http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/284/potato-growers-struggling-with-tasmanian-contract-negotiations Tasmanian potato growers are anxiously negotiating processing crop contracts. View article... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:49:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/283/new-salt-language-to-guide-flavour-creation http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/283/new-salt-language-to-guide-flavour-creation Givaudan has developed a unique sensory language called Sense ItTM Salt which enables a more accurate description of the complex taste effects of salt in foods. Sense ItTM Salt will enhance Givaudan’s ability to create flavours that restore the taste aspects of salt and drive consumer preference in low sodium... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:29:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/282/leading-fresh-produce-industry-experts-to-headline-pma-fresh-forum-adelaide http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/282/leading-fresh-produce-industry-experts-to-headline-pma-fresh-forum-adelaide Melbourne, Australia – Business leaders from across the entire fresh produce supply chain are set to come together at PMA Fresh Forum - Adelaide when it convenes in Mawson Lakes on 21 September, making it South Australia's premier fresh produce information and networking event for 2010. The one-day... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:49:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/281/leading-fresh-produce-industry-experts-to-headline-pma-fresh-forum-launceston http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/281/leading-fresh-produce-industry-experts-to-headline-pma-fresh-forum-launceston Melbourne, Australia – Business leaders from across the entire fresh produce supply chain are set to come together at PMA Fresh Forum - Launceston when it convenes on 22 September, making it Tasmania's premier fresh produce information and networking event for 2010. The one-day conference held in... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:14:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/280/from-eating-occasion-to-store-shelf http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/280/from-eating-occasion-to-store-shelf Uncovering the Missing Link in Shopper Marketing View article... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:27:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/279/mosaic-virus-hits-gascoyne-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/279/mosaic-virus-hits-gascoyne-crops Agronomists are concerned a virus harming vegetable crops in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia could also damage summer melon crops that are about to be planted. View article... Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:01:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/278/farming-gets-into-national-school-curriculum http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/278/farming-gets-into-national-school-curriculum All Australian primary school students will soon be required to learn about farming. View article... Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:11:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/277/higher-food-prices-might-be-worth-paying http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/277/higher-food-prices-might-be-worth-paying Fancy paying more for your food? Of course not. But some say it may be the sacrifice we have to make to ensure a healthy horticulture industry. View article... Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:59:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/276/study-finds-garlic-to-be-effective-in-lowering-blood-pressure http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/276/study-finds-garlic-to-be-effective-in-lowering-blood-pressure Researchers in Australia have found garlic to be effective in lowering blood pressure. While garlic has been thought to be heart-healthy for many years, the recent study suggests that garlic, in extract form, is especially helpful in delivering the nutrients needed to relax blood vessels and to lower systolic blood... Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:26:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/275/prevar-announces-new-smitten-apple-brand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/275/prevar-announces-new-smitten-apple-brand New Zealand’s Prevar has selected the trademark Smitten for its PremA17 apple variety, to be commercialised by Seventeen Limited View article... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:41:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/274/winter-rain-and-favourable-commodity-prices-buoy-australian-farmer-confidence http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/274/winter-rain-and-favourable-commodity-prices-buoy-australian-farmer-confidence Australian farmers are increasingly optimistic about the outlook for agriculture with winter rainfall and firm commodity prices fuelling sentiment, according to the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey. View Article... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:41:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/273/agriculture-offers-exciting-careers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/273/agriculture-offers-exciting-careers Young people are being encouraged to ‘open their minds’ to a career in agriculture, with the launch of a new information brochure by WA Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman at the Dowerin Field Days.Mr Redman said the ‘Open your mind: careers in agriculture’ origami-style brochure... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:57:09 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/272/pear-could-be-rare-fare http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/272/pear-could-be-rare-fare A shortage of pears is being predicted for Australia towards the year's end. View article... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:54:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/271/mapping-of-apple-genome-sets-scene-for-new-types http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/271/mapping-of-apple-genome-sets-scene-for-new-types More apple varieties with differing crispness, juiciness, flavour and aroma are expected to be bred now that the apple genome - all its genetic material, including chromosomes, genes and DNA - has been determined. View article... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:49:35 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/270/home-of-the-macadamia-pushes-for-better-branding http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/270/home-of-the-macadamia-pushes-for-better-branding The Australian Macadamia Society has established a committee that will strive to better brand the macadamia nut as Australian. View article... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:48:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/269/record-tasmanian-olive-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/269/record-tasmanian-olive-crop Tasmania's olive growers have produced a record crop this year ,despite severe frosts earlier in the season. View article... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:55:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/268/queensland-truckers-get-some-safety-re-education http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/268/queensland-truckers-get-some-safety-re-education Queensland's transport industry is trying to reduce the terrible track record of truck-driving deaths and injuries. View article... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:13:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/267/farm-researchers-plead-for-biodiversity http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/267/farm-researchers-plead-for-biodiversity The smallest insect can play a role in food production. View article... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:13:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/266/orchards-to-use-mildura-city-effluent http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/266/orchards-to-use-mildura-city-effluent Effluent water from residential and industrial areas of Mildura in north-west Victoria will be used to irrigate fruit and annual crops. View article... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:11:12 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/265/fruity-find-a-money-spinner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/265/fruity-find-a-money-spinner It is a kiwifruit that looks a bit like a kiwi and it is worth almost $200. View article... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:10:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/264/banana-industry-looks-to-value-add http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/264/banana-industry-looks-to-value-add The Australian banana industry examined profitable ways to use blemished fruit in a recent Queensland forum View article... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:36:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/263/eating-berries-may-help-promote-healthy-aging http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/263/eating-berries-may-help-promote-healthy-aging Scientists have reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Research suggests that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:48:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/262/foodbank-reinvents-food-donations-collaborative-supply http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/262/foodbank-reinvents-food-donations-collaborative-supply Australian charity Foodbank today hosted a gala lunch at the Salvation Army in Surry Hills, Sydney, to launch the national distribution of 800 tonnes of pasta and 100,000 cans of pasta sauce, produced for Foodbank under a new food donation model: the collaborative supply program. Under the Foodbank collaborative... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:45:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/261/tesco-trials-nationas-first-adrive-thrua-supermarket http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/261/tesco-trials-nationas-first-adrive-thrua-supermarket UK retail giant Tesco has launched the country’s first drive-thru supermarket. The retailer’s Baldock Extra store in Hertfordshire will be used as a trial store for the drive-thru service, the firm said yesterday, before a decision is made on rolling-out to additional areas if successful. Tesco said the... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:44:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/260/amag-logo-takes-its-place-on-the-world-stage http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/260/amag-logo-takes-its-place-on-the-world-stage The Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) logo, Australia’s most trusted and recognised country of origin symbol, has taken its place on the world stage at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The Shanghai World Expo 2010 is the largest global event in 2010 and the largest expo on record. Hundreds of thousands of... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:43:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/259/te-mata-business-has-mushroomed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/259/te-mata-business-has-mushroomed The country's second-biggest mushroom grower has a lot to offer Hastings. As well as contributing to the regional economy and employing more than 110 people, its byproduct - compost - ensures the district's parks and gardens flourish. View article... Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:50:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/258/whole-foods-launches-new-iphone-app http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/258/whole-foods-launches-new-iphone-app US-grocery retailer Whole Foods market has launched an App to help users “eat and live better”. Called the Whole Foods Market Missions App, it revolves around more than 70 challenges known as ‘missions’, where users engage in a series of steps to earn badges. Users can create a profile to... Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:49:09 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/257/aussies-go-apple-way-with-spuds http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/257/aussies-go-apple-way-with-spuds After spending decades battling to keep out New Zealand's apples, Australia is turning its attention to protecting its borders from our spuds. View article... Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:12:02 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/256/new-report-the-amissing-linka-in-shopper-marketing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/256/new-report-the-amissing-linka-in-shopper-marketing A new report by consumer research company The Hartman Group investigates the myths of ’shopper marketing’, a popular marketing strategy aimed at the people who purchase goods, particularly during the actual shopping process. Shopper marketing is a major factor in food marketing, with large numbers of... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:06:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/255/taiwan-peach-market-reopens-at-last http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/255/taiwan-peach-market-reopens-at-last Peach and nectarine growers are celebrating a big win, with the lucrative Taiwanese market being reopened for exports. View article... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:34:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/254/moon-festival-to-boost-sales http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/254/moon-festival-to-boost-sales Kiwifruit marketing company Zespri is forecasting increased per-tray returns across all categories for New Zealand kiwifruit growers. View article... Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:28:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/253/early-stone-fruit-harvest-in-wa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/253/early-stone-fruit-harvest-in-wa Stone fruit will be hitting shelves in Western Australia earlier this year because of a dry, mild winter. View article... Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:27:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/252/price-cut-for-bean-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/252/price-cut-for-bean-growers Tasmanian farmers growing beans for processor Simplot will take a 10 per cent price cut this coming season. View article... Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:27:32 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/251/mccain-to-aupgradea-frozen-veg-site http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/251/mccain-to-aupgradea-frozen-veg-site McCain Foods has announced plans to invest NZ$19m (US$13.5m) to upgrade a plant in New Zealand.The frozen food giant said it would add “enhanced processing equipment”, freezers, packaging and “new bean processing capability” to its site in Hastings. Steve Yung, managing director for... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:13:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/250/study-warns-of-varroa-mite-risk-for-agriculture http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/250/study-warns-of-varroa-mite-risk-for-agriculture A study has found up to three-quarters of Australia's fruit, vegetable and pasture production depends on the free pollination services of wild bees - and that situation is putting it at risk. View article... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:10:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/249/high-fees-deterring-ag-science-students http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/249/high-fees-deterring-ag-science-students Agricultural scientists say their discipline is the most expensive science degree at university, and that's putting students off. View article... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:28:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/248/managing-firms-carbon-footprints http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/248/managing-firms-carbon-footprints Supermarkets worried about delivering on consumers' environmentally aware buying choices have had more impact on New Zealand exporters measuring and reporting on their carbon footprint than the Emissions Trading Scheme, says Landcare Research's carboNZero programme business manager, Mike Tournier. View... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:30:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/247/gillard-targets-farmers-with-green-dollars http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/247/gillard-targets-farmers-with-green-dollars Plan for farmers to earn credits for reducing emissions. View article... Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:29:12 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/244/growers-blame-imports-for-cheap-winter-vegies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/244/growers-blame-imports-for-cheap-winter-vegies Now might be the perfect time to make vegetable soup, if you want to make a saving!. View article... Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:17:29 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/246/sky-is-not-the-limit-for-september-vegetable-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/246/sky-is-not-the-limit-for-september-vegetable-prices A Queensland horticulturalist says there's only so much consumers will be prepared to pay for fresh produce when supply drops off next month. View article... Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:19:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/245/food-facts-by-phone http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/245/food-facts-by-phone It mightn't be long before customers at the supermarkets can scan a barcode and instantly get the full background of a product on their mobile phones. View article... Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:18:32 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/243/bank-closes-in-on-cherry-grower http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/243/bank-closes-in-on-cherry-grower The former president of Cherry Growers Australia is fighting to keep his cherry business in the NSW Riverina after one of his lenders foreclosed. View article... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:39:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/242/get-kids-to-eat-their-veggies-junior-cooking-popeye-and-parties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/242/get-kids-to-eat-their-veggies-junior-cooking-popeye-and-parties Popeye cartoons, tasting parties and junior cooking classes can help increase vegetable intake in kindergarten children, according to new research published in the journal Nutrition & Dietetics. Researchers at Mahidol University in Bangkok found the type and amount of vegetables children ate improved after they... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:54:06 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/241/labor-pledges-to-help-upgrade-simplot-plant http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/241/labor-pledges-to-help-upgrade-simplot-plant A re-elected Labor Government will help fund an upgrade of Simplot Australia's potato plant in Tasmania. View article... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:53:13 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/239/woolworths-new-atassie-growna-label-to-boost-southern-tasmanian-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/239/woolworths-new-atassie-growna-label-to-boost-southern-tasmanian-farmers The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Bryan Green, has today launched a new initiative from Australian supermarket group Woolworths (ASX:WOW) that will benefit farmers in Southern Tasmania. View article... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:16:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/240/nz-grower-co-op-to-handle-release-of-new-apricot-cultivars http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/240/nz-grower-co-op-to-handle-release-of-new-apricot-cultivars Apricot growers will form a company to handle the release of new varieties developed in a summerfruit breeding programme. View article... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:27:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/238/cherry-growers-keep-marketing-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/238/cherry-growers-keep-marketing-levy Cherry growers have voted to retain the industry's 7 cent per kilo levy for marketing and research and development. View article... Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:47:52 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/237/new-food-rules-for-engaging-consumers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/237/new-food-rules-for-engaging-consumers New research reveals Australia’s love affair with food has become even more entrenched due to our fascination with technology, and it is critical for food brands to harness the digital trend to stay ahead in their category. The theme was explored in a breakfast event held today by leading communications... Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:44:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/236/cold-red-centre-winter-making-it-hard-for-lettuce http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/236/cold-red-centre-winter-making-it-hard-for-lettuce A hydroponic lettuce grower in Central Australia says recent frosty conditions has put him behind with fulfilling contracts. View article... Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:23:06 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/235/apple-growers-crowing-at-win http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/235/apple-growers-crowing-at-win The World Trade Organisation's rejection of Australia's apple trade regime is damning. View article... Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:46:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/234/migrant-worker-problems-cost-business http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/234/migrant-worker-problems-cost-business A horticultural contractor is crying foul after being blamed for his migrant workers "doing a runner" – while other contractors who employed them as overstayers have got off lightly, he says. View article... Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:45:03 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/233/super-size-oranges-too-big-for-americans http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/233/super-size-oranges-too-big-for-americans Citrus growers are facing a unique problem sending their fruit to the United States this year... View article... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:26:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/232/australia-to-appeal-against-wto-approval-for-kiwi-apple-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/232/australia-to-appeal-against-wto-approval-for-kiwi-apple-imports A 90-year ban on New Zealand apples being imported to Australia has been overturned by the World Trade Organisation. View article... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:34:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/231/win-for-nz-in-89-year-apple-stoush http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/231/win-for-nz-in-89-year-apple-stoush New Zealand has won an historic victory at the World Trade Organisation over its 89-year-old apple dispute with Australia. View article... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:33:27 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/230/wto-condemns-aust-ban-on-nz-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/230/wto-condemns-aust-ban-on-nz-apples Way may open to overturn quarantine restrictions. View article... Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:29:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/229/sainsburyas-introduces-tiny-taste-team http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/229/sainsburyas-introduces-tiny-taste-team It’s a case of Junior Masterchef meets Ready Steady Cook in Sainsbury’s new taste of summer online campaign. Except there’s a twist: Contestants’ summer themed recipes will be judged by three nine year olds on creativity, “fun-ness” and of course, taste. One new summer themed... Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:45:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/228/nz-fruit-growers-reject-levy-increase http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/228/nz-fruit-growers-reject-levy-increase Commercial fruit growers have voted to strip nearly 16 percent from the annual budget of the horticulture industry's national body. View article... Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:50:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/227/gibbs-queries-zespri-resolutions http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/227/gibbs-queries-zespri-resolutions Turners & Growers chairman Tony Gibbs says two Zespri annual meeting resolutions which have alarmed some growers seem to counter his firm's court action against the kiwifruit marketer. View article... Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:54:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/226/choice-survey-reveals-grocery-costs-steady http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/226/choice-survey-reveals-grocery-costs-steady A survey by consumer group CHOICE suggests that despite a marketing price war between the two major supermarkets, and an increasing focus in federal election campaigns on the rising cost of living, grocery choices have not actually changed substantially in the last year. The survey found that at Woolworths, the... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:08:59 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/225/police-offer-reward-for-info-on-bowen-crop-poisoner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/225/police-offer-reward-for-info-on-bowen-crop-poisoner A $200,000 reward has been offered to try and catch whoever poisoned millions of vegetable seedlings in North Queensland last month. View article... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:01:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/224/coalition-promises-more-funding-for-ag-research-and-biosecurity http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/224/coalition-promises-more-funding-for-ag-research-and-biosecurity The Coalition says it will not cut agricultural programs to fund new rural policies, including a $150 million increase in research and development. View article... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:08:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/223/online-trading-made-easier http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/223/online-trading-made-easier FARMERS can now go online and find tractors and machinery for sale throughout the country courtesy of the new AgTrader website. Tractor and machinery dealers will also be able to list their stock on the site as an extension of their print advertising. View article... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:07:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/222/coalition-offers-grants-to-keep-agriculture-scientists-in-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/222/coalition-offers-grants-to-keep-agriculture-scientists-in-australia The Coalition will set up a $5 million, four-year pilot program to mentor scientists and further Australia's agricultural research, if elected to Government. View article... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:05:55 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/221/rough-seas-for-grocery-prices-under-new-fair-work-laws http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/221/rough-seas-for-grocery-prices-under-new-fair-work-laws Australian families and consumers face higher food and grocery prices for Australian-made products under new Fair Work Act provisions which are affecting shipping costs, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) warned today. Under the Federal Government’s Fair Work legislation, higher operating costs... Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:16:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/220/zespri-could-compete-with-nz-kiwifruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/220/zespri-could-compete-with-nz-kiwifruit A new kiwifruit growers' group says export marketing heavyweight Zespri is trying to push through resolutions at its annual meeting this month that could see the company selling foreign kiwifruit in competition with New Zealand-grown fruit. View article... Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:24:02 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/219/secret-mango-business-delivers-early-nt-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/219/secret-mango-business-delivers-early-nt-crop In an early suprise for southern mango fans, the first of the Northern Territory produce for the year is now being harvested. View article... Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:22:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/218/labor-proposes-national-food-plan http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/218/labor-proposes-national-food-plan Federal minister for Agriculture Tony Burke today announced that an elected Labor government would introduce a National Food Plan, to examine food security, food quality, the affordability of food and the sustainability of food in Australia. The initiative would not require new funding, but instead come out of the... Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:04:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/217/pineapple-growers-fear-malaysian-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/217/pineapple-growers-fear-malaysian-imports Australian pineapple producers are gearing up to block any move to let fresh Malaysian pines be imported into the country. View article... Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:36:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/216/zespri-challenged-over-resolutions http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/216/zespri-challenged-over-resolutions Kiwifruit marketing heavyweight Zespri is again being challenged by shareholders - this time over resolutions for its upcoming annual general meeting that have alarmed some growers. View article... Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:02:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/215/woolworths-and-iga-supermarkets-go-local http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/215/woolworths-and-iga-supermarkets-go-local Australian supermarkets are adopting various strategies to tap into the growing trend to ‘go local’. Independent grocery network IGA recently launched an advertising campaign emphasizing the local individualism of each of its 1,000 independent stores. The launch came days after Woolworths announced it... Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:21:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/214/apples-get-an-orange-brand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/214/apples-get-an-orange-brand Orchardists in central-west NSW are seeking greater control over the marketing and distribution of their fruit. View article... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:56:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/213/transparency-of-biosecurity-reforms-questioned http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/213/transparency-of-biosecurity-reforms-questioned Reforms to the nation's biosecurity and quarantine have come under fire by sources involved in the changes. View article... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:55:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/212/high-hopes-for-yeppoon-pineapple-expo http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/212/high-hopes-for-yeppoon-pineapple-expo Pineapple farmers on the central Queensland coast are hoping an industry forum will expand into a large scale expo, attracting visitors from around the world. View article... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:18:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/211/police-no-closer-to-finding-bowen-crop-poisoner http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/211/police-no-closer-to-finding-bowen-crop-poisoner Police say they are still no closer to finding those responsible for the poisoning of vegetables in northern Queensland. View article... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:17:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/210/private-label-a-wax-or-wane-in-the-upturn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/210/private-label-a-wax-or-wane-in-the-upturn In 2009, we ran a study on shopper consideration of private label products to look at consumer perceptions, attitudes and usage of these value-based offers during the GFC. Since then, the economic climate has changed with stability and consumer confidence returning. But does this mean that people have moved back to... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:09:05 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/209/experts-warn-retail-may-take-years-to-recover http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/209/experts-warn-retail-may-take-years-to-recover Experts have warned that retail may take years to recover with continual sales over the past year having trained consumers to expect and only accept reduced prices. The warnings come as research group TNS’ Discount Retailing Study found that 65% of Australians perceive retailers to constantly have sales at... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:03:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/208/nsw-diners-hungry-for-name-and-shame-information http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/208/nsw-diners-hungry-for-name-and-shame-information The NSW Government’s Name and Shame register has attracted more than four million hits since its inception two years ago, successfully meeting the increasing public demand for safe food information, Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan said today.”That’s more than two million hits a year... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:02:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/207/how-to-save-rural-france-a-case-study-on-business-diversification http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/207/how-to-save-rural-france-a-case-study-on-business-diversification Rough pastures: In France, life on the farm is changing, with farmers having to cultivate more land, more efficiently and at less cost Read more... Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:48:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/206/banned-insecticide-found-on-nz-food http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/206/banned-insecticide-found-on-nz-food New Zealand's food safety body has found residue from the banned chemical endosulfan on local fruit and vegetables. View article... Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:40:59 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/205/fruit-and-vegie-prices-fall http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/205/fruit-and-vegie-prices-fall Food is getting cheaper due to favourable weather conditions and strong supply. View article... More detailed information from the Consumer Price Index Report can be accessed here through the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:33:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/204/iga-gives-a-voice-to-locals-with-new-campaign http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/204/iga-gives-a-voice-to-locals-with-new-campaign Australia’s largest independent grocery network, IGA, has launched a new campaign on 25 July giving a voice to its customers from stores across the nation.Focusing on the global trend towards localisation and IGA’s advantage of being able to tailor each store specifically to its local area, the campaign... Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:10:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/203/coles-signs-new-two-year-masterchef-deal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/203/coles-signs-new-two-year-masterchef-deal In an exciting development after the 2010 final, Coles is pleased to announce it has signed a new two year deal as the exclusive supermarket sponsor of Network Ten’s MasterChef Australia. The new partnership will see Coles continue its relationship with the groundbreaking show in 2011 and 2012, including... Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:31:02 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/202/sainsburyas-launches-online-diet-site http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/202/sainsburyas-launches-online-diet-site Sainsbury’s launched its brand new online diet club, http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/diets, for those who struggle to find the time to attend a regular slimming club, or who prefer to lose weight from home. The site is designed for success and whilst acknowledging the pitfalls of dieting, provides healthy eating... Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:29:48 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/201/nz-argricultural-chemicals-no-threat http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/201/nz-argricultural-chemicals-no-threat A recent study from New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has found no health or food safety concerns in chemical residues in fresh, unwashed produce. The study, part of this year’s Food Residue Surveillance Programme (FRSP), which targets locally-produced and imported crops prone to exceeding the maximum... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:56:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/200/coles-sales-trump-woolies-in-fourth-quarter http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/200/coles-sales-trump-woolies-in-fourth-quarter Coles retail sales growth in the fourth quarter has once more topped Woolworths. Total Coles’ food and liquor sales for the fourth quarter were $5.9 billion, up 4.2 per cent, with comparable food and liquor store sales growth of 4.2 per cent. Total Coles’ food and liquor sales for the financial year... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:53:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/199/queensland-citrus-growers-seek-us-access http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/199/queensland-citrus-growers-seek-us-access Queensland citrus growers are fighting for access into the United States market. View article... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:25:56 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/198/nz-fed-farmers-urges-hold-on-interest-rates http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/198/nz-fed-farmers-urges-hold-on-interest-rates The Reserve Bank should keep the official cash rate at 2.75 per cent, Federated Farmers says after its latest survey of farmer confidence showed only 2.9 per cent of farmers expected the economy to improve. View article... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:12:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/197/building-on-agricultural-ties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/197/building-on-agricultural-ties THERE are now 50 future agri-business leaders who are confident the Japanese Government is committed to building strong business and trade relations with New Zealand. View article... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:10:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/196/rural-doesnt-rate-in-debate http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/196/rural-doesnt-rate-in-debate The leaders of the two major parties went head to head in last night's Great Debate, but rural issues didn't rate much of a mention. View article... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:40:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/195/emissions-plan-must-maintain-industry-competitiveness http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/195/emissions-plan-must-maintain-industry-competitiveness Australia’s emissions reduction policy must maintain the competitiveness of Australian export and import-competing industries - such as food and grocery - without exposing them to costs their competitors don’t face, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said on Friday.Responding to Prime... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:05:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/194/nz-fruit-pickers-complain-of-going-unpaid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/194/nz-fruit-pickers-complain-of-going-unpaid Dozens of Bay of Plenty kiwifruit workers are crying foul over unpaid wages, lack of holiday allowances and contractors who allegedly give false details. View article... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:04:55 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/193/ofa-welcomes-gillard-government-support-of-organic-sector http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/193/ofa-welcomes-gillard-government-support-of-organic-sector The Gillard Government will be funding $33,000 to Standards Australia to support the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products “The OFA initiated the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products to ensure credibility of organic products.” Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation... Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:03:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/192/ag-graduate-salaries-rise-but-theyre-still-too-low http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/192/ag-graduate-salaries-rise-but-theyre-still-too-low The average starting salary for agricultural science graduates jumped 5 per cent last year, to about $45,000 per year. View article... Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:48:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/191/burke-says-no-disadvantage-for-farmers-in-new-climate-policy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/191/burke-says-no-disadvantage-for-farmers-in-new-climate-policy The Federal Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke is remaining tight-lipped about whether agriculture will be a part of Labor's new climate policy in any form. View article... Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:31:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/190/schools-rush-to-sign-up-for-veggie-patches-program http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/190/schools-rush-to-sign-up-for-veggie-patches-program Australian primary schools have given a thumbs-up to McCain School Veggie Patches with a resounding response to a national callout to register for the initiative. More than 1,700 Australian primary schools have registered for the chance to earn resources for their vegetable gardens, including seeds, tools and... Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:16:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/189/growcom-calls-for-major-parties-to-announce-agricultural-policies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/189/growcom-calls-for-major-parties-to-announce-agricultural-policies With only a month until the federal election, peak horticulture body Growcom today called for the major parties to outline their agricultural policies. Chief Executive Officer Alex Livingstone said it was pleasing to see that in recent weeks both major parties had “made the right noises” in accepting... Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:14:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/188/australia-lets-in-chinese-apple-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/188/australia-lets-in-chinese-apple-imports News keeps on getting worse for the Australian apple industry. Just as a World Trade Organisation report rejecting its ban on New Zealand imports is about to be revealed, it is hit by an even bigger blow - apple imports from China. View article... Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:58:13 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/187/marketer-opens-case-to-break-up-zespri-hold http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/187/marketer-opens-case-to-break-up-zespri-hold Fruit and vegetable marketer Turners & Growers began its court challenge to Zespri's kiwifruit export monopoly yesterday, telling the High Court in Auckland that majority support from kiwifruit growers was not enough to justify export restrictions. View article... Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:57:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/186/woolies-helps-foodbank-net-record-donations http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/186/woolies-helps-foodbank-net-record-donations Foodbank has hit a record high for donations, receiving over 2.3 million kg of food from Woolworths over the past 12 months, thanks to a ‘reverse logistics’ initiative to reroute non-saleable products from the supermarket’s outlets. The initiative brings non-saleable products from 825 metro and... Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:13:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/185/challenge-to-zespri-not-a-waste http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/185/challenge-to-zespri-not-a-waste Turners and Growers Ltd says the court challenge it is making to Zespri Group's statutory grip on exports outside Australasia is not a waste of growers' money. View article... Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:41:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/184/organic-farming-set-to-fly-in-2010-2011 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/184/organic-farming-set-to-fly-in-2010-2011 With the new financial year upon us, business information research and analysis group IBISWorld has compiled its annual list of Australian industries set to fly and fall in the next 12 months. According to IBISWorld, organic farming will be the biggest winner in 2010-2011 as Australians consider the health benefits... Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:44:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/182/red-fleshed-apple-launched-in-uk http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/182/red-fleshed-apple-launched-in-uk Redlove, which is claimed to be the world's first red-fleshed apple variety, is reportedly being planted across Europe View article... Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:35:31 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/183/tg-case-waste-of-money-zespri http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/183/tg-case-waste-of-money-zespri Turners & Growers frustration over not being able to export all its own kiwifruit directly spills into the High Court tomorrow when the listed fresh produce company challenges the marketing might of Zespri. View article... Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:36:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/181/connecting-the-fresh-produce-supply-chain-michael-worthington-abc-radio-northern-tasmania-interview http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/181/connecting-the-fresh-produce-supply-chain-michael-worthington-abc-radio-northern-tasmania-interview We've heard it many times - producers need to know more about what's going on at the consumer-end of their chain. And a new association covering Australia and New Zealand hopes to link everyone involved in the fruit, vegetable and floral industries from producers to retailers... View summary and... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:53:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/180/farmers-sound-warning-on-food-bowl-vision http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/180/farmers-sound-warning-on-food-bowl-vision Tasmania's peak farming body warns better irrigation and marketing are needed to establish the state as the country's food bowl. View article... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:59:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/179/fresh-produce-group-acquires-produce-one http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/179/fresh-produce-group-acquires-produce-one Fruit and vegetable supplier Fresh Produce Group has announced the purchase of the Produce One production facility at Arndell Park in Sydney, from FreshExchange (part of CostaExchange Group). The state-of-the-art facility boasts a production area of 6,000 square metres, incorporating coolrooms for all products... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:57:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/178/cashews-could-help-prevent-diabetes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/178/cashews-could-help-prevent-diabetes New research suggests that cashew extract shows promise as an anti-diabetic, with a new study suggesting that the extract of the seeds, known to many as cashew nuts, may improve the body’s response to insulin. The study, a cooperation between the University of Montreal and the Université de... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:55:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/177/garlic-demand-growing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/177/garlic-demand-growing Rising domestic demand for garlic is spelling good times for Marlborough's two growers, with both planning to increase plantings this season. View article... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:54:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/176/avocado-industry-seeks-better-quality-fruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/176/avocado-industry-seeks-better-quality-fruit Research into ways of improving avocado quality is part of the industry's new strategic plan. View article... Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:21:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/175/apple-growers-meet-burke-over-chinese-imports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/175/apple-growers-meet-burke-over-chinese-imports Apple growers may have lost their fight to keep Chinese apples out of Australia, but they're still trying. View article... Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:19:56 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/174/nff-warns-of-food-scarcity http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/174/nff-warns-of-food-scarcity National Farmers’ Federation President David Crombie today warned that food scarcity is a reality that all Australians will need to face. “Australians need to brace for a future of higher prices for life’s essentials. It’s an inevitable consequence of more mouths to feed and less food to go... Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:13:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/173/nz-crunch-time-for-orchardists http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/173/nz-crunch-time-for-orchardists Nelson apple growers are nervously watching foreign exchange fluctuations and sickly European markets that could ruin their returns again this season. View article... Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:21:51 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/172/security-tightened-on-bowen-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/172/security-tightened-on-bowen-crops Police are urging farmers in North Queensland to observe security measures until the person responsible for a crop poisoning is caught. View article... Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:19:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/171/claims-chinese-vegies-entering-australia-through-nz http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/171/claims-chinese-vegies-entering-australia-through-nz Vegetable industry group Ausveg is concerned Australians are eating Chinese produce unknowingly. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:06:31 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/169/peas-commercial-misleading-liberals http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/169/peas-commercial-misleading-liberals A Federal Liberal Candidate from north-west Tasmania wants frozen food giant McCain to recall one of its television commercials. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:35:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/168/farmers-need-to-go-to-uni http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/168/farmers-need-to-go-to-uni Farmers are the worst-educated industry group in Australia, according to figures released by the Productivity Commission. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:34:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/167/otago-man-named-young-farmer-of-the-year http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/167/otago-man-named-young-farmer-of-the-year A North Otago agricultural consultant has been named Young Farmer of the Year. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:33:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/166/australians-urged-to-support-vegetable-industry http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/166/australians-urged-to-support-vegetable-industry Australian consumers have been urged to buy locally-grown produce after the poisoning of seedlings in Queensland View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:02:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/165/nt-vegie-and-fruit-growers-confused-by-ir-changes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/165/nt-vegie-and-fruit-growers-confused-by-ir-changes A horticultural lobby group says Northern Territory growers are struggling to cope with industrial relations changes in the new financial year. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:01:23 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/164/police-consider-reward-for-info-on-bowen-vegie-poisoning http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/164/police-consider-reward-for-info-on-bowen-vegie-poisoning The rumour mill is in overdrive, but police say they're no closer to solving a case of crop poisoning in north Queensland that's killed seven million vegetable seedings and jeopardised Australia's tomato supply. View article... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:39:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/163/genetic-anomaly-creates-giant-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/163/genetic-anomaly-creates-giant-apples A genetic glitch in some Gala apple trees, which stops cells from dividing, has been found to result in apples which are almost double the size of their normal counterparts. Peter Hirst, a Purdue University associate professor of horticulture, found that the apples with the anomaly - called Grand Galas - produced... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:10:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/162/gillard-govt-renews-commitment-to-organic-standards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/162/gillard-govt-renews-commitment-to-organic-standards The Gillard government today announced an election commitment of a further $33,000 to Standards Australia for the ongoing maintenance of the Australian standard for organic and biodynamic products. The commitment serves as a reminder to voters of the Labor government’s development of the first standards for... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:00:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/161/outback-flowers-set-to-bloom-after-rains http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/161/outback-flowers-set-to-bloom-after-rains Good winter rain across parts of outback Queensland is expected see wildflowers blooming in the coming months. View article... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:57:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/160/seedling-poisoning-has-silver-lining-for-harvest-employers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/160/seedling-poisoning-has-silver-lining-for-harvest-employers Seasonal harvest workers are expected to be in bountiful supply this spring, after millions of tomato seedlings were poisoned in north Queensland. View article... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:56:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/159/orange-juice-companies-make-appeal-on-dodgy-claims http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/159/orange-juice-companies-make-appeal-on-dodgy-claims Citrus growers are asking consumers to send them what they call misleading orange juice labels with claims like '100 per cent Australian'. View article... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:55:49 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/158/pest-arrivals-a-concern-for-agriculture-conservation http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/158/pest-arrivals-a-concern-for-agriculture-conservation Hundreds of unwanted pests making it into New Zealand each year are presenting an unacceptable risk to the likes of agriculture and conservation, representatives from those groups say. View article... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:06:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/157/zespri-lauds-government-initiative http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/157/zespri-lauds-government-initiative ZESPRI has congratulated Prime Minister John Key and the New Zealand Government on progressing free trade negotiations with Korea, during meetings with the Korean Prime Minister, Chung Un-chan, and President Lee Myung-Bak, in Seoul yesterday. View article... Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:56:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/155/tomato-prices-set-to-rise-as-bowen-crop-poisoned http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/155/tomato-prices-set-to-rise-as-bowen-crop-poisoned Growers in northern Queensland says the poisoning of millions of tomato seedlings will affect hundreds of pickers and packers. View article... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:26:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/156/peanut-company-records-a-loss http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/156/peanut-company-records-a-loss Australia's biggest peanut processor has posted a $20 million loss for the year to the end of March. View article... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:32:02 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/154/new-zealand-vulnerable-to-china-trade http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/154/new-zealand-vulnerable-to-china-trade New Zealand has left itself highly vulnerable by being dependent on an agricultural commodity exports to a single market, China, an American academic and intelligence expert has warned... View article... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:59:32 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/153/germany-amazon-begins-selling-groceries http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/153/germany-amazon-begins-selling-groceries Amazon Germany has launched an online shop offering food and beverages.The company is offering over 35,000 products through www.amazon.de/food. The products are provided by the company through partnerships with more than 60 providers. The service uses Prime or Overnight Shipping and the offer includes produce with... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:57:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/152/police-probe-mass-poisoning-of-tomato-seedlings http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/152/police-probe-mass-poisoning-of-tomato-seedlings North Queensland horticulturalists says the poisoning of millions of tomato seedlings will affect supplies later in the year. View article... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:56:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/151/new-website-to-promote-enzaas-kiwifruit http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/151/new-website-to-promote-enzaas-kiwifruit New Zealand fruit marketer Turners & Growers have launched a new website to promote its new kiwifruit varieties View article... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:12:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/150/cuts-to-nuts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/150/cuts-to-nuts The Australian Macadamia Society has cut services as national production falls below initial estimates. View article... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:34:49 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/149/china-table-grape-agreement-delayed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/149/china-table-grape-agreement-delayed A deal to sell Australian table grapes to mainland China has been delayed. View article... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:33:54 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/148/asic-probes-elders http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/148/asic-probes-elders The corporate watchdog will take a deeper look at agribusiness Elders and the circumstances surrounding its recent profit downgrade. View article... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:26:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/147/nz-focus-on-ets-review http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/147/nz-focus-on-ets-review July 1 saw the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) start impacting all New Zealanders, but Federated Farmers focus is now on the promised 2011 review, details of which, remain sketchy. The Federation wants the Government to bring forward its 2011 review of the scheme. View article... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:07:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/146/pick-ana-payas-franklins-did-not-achieve-acritical-massa http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/146/pick-ana-payas-franklins-did-not-achieve-acritical-massa South African supermarket group Pick ‘n’ Pay said its Franklins retail business, which it has sold to Metcash Trading, did not achieve “critical mass” in the Australian market.The firm yesterday (1 July) announced that it has sold 85 Franklins supermarkets, comprising 77 corporate stores and... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:05:14 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/145/cedenco-australia-sold http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/145/cedenco-australia-sold Australia’s largest tomato processor, the Echuca-based Cedenco Australia, has been sold to a Japanese food manufacturer after nearly eight months in receivership. The company maintained normal production during the receivership and the sale will result in creditors being paid in full, said KordaMentha partner... Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:03:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/144/push-for-local-produce-to-be-used-in-bundaberg http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/144/push-for-local-produce-to-be-used-in-bundaberg There's not much primary production that doesn't happen in the wider Bundaberg region of south east Queensland. View article... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:17:06 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/143/ets-good-for-farmers-carbon-expert http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/143/ets-good-for-farmers-carbon-expert Some farmers don't realise the long-term benefits they will get from the ETS if they plant trees on their worst land, says the director of a Nelson carbon accountancy firm. View article... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:14:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/142/trade-chief-calls-for-consolidation http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/142/trade-chief-calls-for-consolidation New Zealand's top trade official has defended Zespri in its fight against the Guinness Peat Group (GPG), saying even more consolidation is needed to make Kiwi exporters competitive. View article... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:05:14 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/140/horticulture-is-the-future-says-local-producer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/140/horticulture-is-the-future-says-local-producer A central Queensland farmer says he supports the idea of an agribusiness precinct in the Fitzroy Basin area, but feedlots are not a viable development. View article... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:01:46 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/139/tougher-rules-on-chemical-spraying-from-today http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/139/tougher-rules-on-chemical-spraying-from-today From today, Australian farmers are required to have buffer zones for chemical spraying near neighbouring properties. View article... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:26:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/138/apple-growers-demand-response-from-burke-on-china-import-decision http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/138/apple-growers-demand-response-from-burke-on-china-import-decision The Federal Government has given final approval for China to begin exporting apples to Australia. View article... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:23:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/137/metcash-buys-franklins-supermarkets http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/137/metcash-buys-franklins-supermarkets Discount supermarket chain Franklins has been acquired by its wholesale supplier, Metcash Trading Ltd, in an unsolicited $215 million offer to its current owner, South African chain Pick n Pay. The sale, pending approval from the ACCC, will also bring to an end all current litigation between the two groups... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:14:06 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/136/chinese-apple-decision-concerning http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/136/chinese-apple-decision-concerning A decision by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to allow the importation of Chinese apples while an inquiry is being held on the issue is "concerning", senators say... View article... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/135/researchers-look-to-patent-plant-that-suppresses-hunger http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/135/researchers-look-to-patent-plant-that-suppresses-hunger The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food are growing a plant which can help those trying to lose weight. View article... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:15:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/134/japanese-buyer-hopes-to-get-tomato-plant-out-of-the-red http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/134/japanese-buyer-hopes-to-get-tomato-plant-out-of-the-red The southern hemisphere's largest tomato processor at Echuca in Victoria has been sold. View article... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:11:51 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/133/half-of-merbeins-farmland-laid-to-waste http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/133/half-of-merbeins-farmland-laid-to-waste Almost half of the land in the horticultural district of Merbein in north-west Victoria is now dead vines or has been cleared entirely. View article... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:07:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/132/young-people-need-to-start-farming-vff http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/132/young-people-need-to-start-farming-vff The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is concerned there are not enough young people involved in agriculture to sustain the industry. View article... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:00:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/131/the-fountain-of-youth-for-tomatoes http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/131/the-fountain-of-youth-for-tomatoes Researchers at Purdue University have extended the shelf life of tomatoes by adding a gene from yeast, slowing aging and delaying microbial decay in tomatoes. “We can inhibit the aging of plants and extend the shelf life of fruits by an additional week for tomatoes,” said professor of horticulture Avtar... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:29:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/129/tony-gibbs-to-remain-at-tg http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/129/tony-gibbs-to-remain-at-tg Despite his dismissal from the board of majority shareholder GPG, Tony Gibbs will remain as T&G chairman View article... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:51:26 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/123/official-release-fresh-connections-australia-new-zealand-at-fresh-event-2010-a-resounding-success http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/123/official-release-fresh-connections-australia-new-zealand-at-fresh-event-2010-a-resounding-success Melbourne, Australia – With nearly 750 national and international delegates in attendance 9-11 June, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections: Australia-New Zealand event held as part of Fresh Event 2010 was a major success. The 2010 Fresh Connections event – planned by local leaders... Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:22:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/128/victorian-menus-to-carry-nutritional-info http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/128/victorian-menus-to-carry-nutritional-info Victorian fast-food and chain food businesses will be required to put nutritional information on their menus by 2012. Premier John Brumby today announced that all food businesses with 50 or more Victorian outlets, or more than 200 outlets nationwide, would be required to display kilojoule counts next to all food... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:50:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/127/climate-change-conference-hears-warning-to-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/127/climate-change-conference-hears-warning-to-farmers Big changes to agriculture have been forecast at the world's first international conference on adapting to climate change. View article... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:25:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/126/farmers-happy-to-see-population-growth-ease http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/126/farmers-happy-to-see-population-growth-ease Prime Minister Julia Gillard's efforts to put the brakes on immigration and population growth have been well received by farmers in central west NSW. View article... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:31:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/125/native-seeds-show-biodiesel-potential http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/125/native-seeds-show-biodiesel-potential Central Queensland researchers say they've found a number of native trees and shrubs which can be grown and used for biodiesel. View article... Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:30:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/124/end-of-year-export-grants-bigger-than-expected http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/124/end-of-year-export-grants-bigger-than-expected Exporters who were approved for Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) in excess of $50,000 will now receive 73.94 cents in the dollar for that part of their entitlement above $50,000. These businesses, which represent 30 per cent of all EMDG applicants, will receive their payments next week. Previous forecasts... Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:26:51 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/122/disease-cuts-kiwifruit-supply http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/122/disease-cuts-kiwifruit-supply Disease has wiped out about two-thirds of Zespri's kiwifruit supplies from Chile and almost a third of production from Italy, encouraging others to look at supply from Greece, which is unaffected. View article... Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:27:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/120/more-drought-support-for-nsw-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/120/more-drought-support-for-nsw-farmers The NSW Government has allocated $6.7 million for drought support in the state. View article... Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:20:57 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/121/elders-denies-misleading-investors http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/121/elders-denies-misleading-investors Angry investors approach Slater & Gordon after rural services group's latest earnings downgrade. View article... Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:22:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/119/2011-fieldays-premier-feature-announced http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/119/2011-fieldays-premier-feature-announced Minister of Agriculture David Carter has announced the 2011 Premier Feature for New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays; ‘Breaking Barriers to Productivity’. View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:41:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/118/forum-to-address-food-insecurity-in-victoria http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/118/forum-to-address-food-insecurity-in-victoria Practical grassroots solutions to help disadvantaged Victorians who have limited access to healthy food will be presented at a forum in Flemington today. VicHealth invested $2.5 million from 2006 to 2010 in Food for All - an initiative that gave local governments the resources to address food insecurity in their... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:40:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/117/avocado-growers-asked-to-watch-out-for-new-pest http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/117/avocado-growers-asked-to-watch-out-for-new-pest An overseas avocado pest has been added to a list of pests growers have been encouraged to watch out for. View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:49:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/116/wa-drought-relief-program-put-to-senate http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/116/wa-drought-relief-program-put-to-senate Trail scheme would remove eligibility criteria for assistance grants. 24 Jun 2010 8:57 PM View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:48:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/115/govt-pledge-to-save-sydneys-foodbowl http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/115/govt-pledge-to-save-sydneys-foodbowl The New South Wales Government says it will ensure agricultural areas on the edge of Sydney will be protected in its metropolitan strategy. View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:46:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/114/citrus-industry-struggles-to-meet-export-demand http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/114/citrus-industry-struggles-to-meet-export-demand The citrus industry is concerned that low yields this season could hurt exports. View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:44:12 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/113/carrot-prices-unaffected-by-processor-lease-deal http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/113/carrot-prices-unaffected-by-processor-lease-deal A decision by vegetable processor Websters to lease out its Tasmanian carrot operation isn't likely to affect prices for growers. View article... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:43:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/112/strawberry-glut-pushes-prices-down http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/112/strawberry-glut-pushes-prices-down Strawberry growers are facing yet another case of oversupply. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:57:25 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/111/mps-call-for-protection-for-melbournes-suburban-farms http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/111/mps-call-for-protection-for-melbournes-suburban-farms A Victorian parliamentary committee is calling on the State Government to protect Melbourne's agriculture. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:53:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/110/grape-export-deal-to-china-is-on-the-table http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/110/grape-export-deal-to-china-is-on-the-table A deal letting Australian table grapes into mainland China for the first time is expected to be signed within the next week. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:50:20 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/109/petition-steps-up-fight-to-save-muresk-institute http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/109/petition-steps-up-fight-to-save-muresk-institute The fight to save Western Australia's only regional agricultural university from closing is heating up. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:48:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/108/au-organic-farming-set-to-grow-the-fastest http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/108/au-organic-farming-set-to-grow-the-fastest Australians' taste for green food is expected to grow from a nibble to a nosh in the coming year. Research group IBISWorld has forecast the organic farming sector to expand more than any other industry, driven by a growing appetite for sustainable and chemical-free food by consumers... View Article... ... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:13:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/104/nz-cheap-prison-labour-not-a-good-look http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/104/nz-cheap-prison-labour-not-a-good-look An emergency meeting has been called as the horticulture industry confronts what its says is the negative impact of cheap prison labour. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:53:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/107/au-this-is-the-season-to-be-joyful-about-pink-lady-apples http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/107/au-this-is-the-season-to-be-joyful-about-pink-lady-apples This is the time of year pink lady apple fanciers live for - the time when the best of the harvest is in the shops... View Article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:11:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/106/au-vegie-growers-under-contract-pressure http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/106/au-vegie-growers-under-contract-pressure Annual negotiations on processing vegetable contracts are under way and there's pressure to cut prices. McCain potato growers are resisting company calls to cut prices by 25 per cent.And today vegetable processor Simplot is calling Tasmanian pea growers to a series of meetings, to explain the market... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:08:59 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/105/multi-million-investment-for-new-apples-and-pears http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/105/multi-million-investment-for-new-apples-and-pears New Zealand and Australian pipfruit growers have recommitted to a multi-million dollar joint venture to produce new apple and pear cultivars. Together, Australasian growers will invest NZ$11.5 million over the next five years through their established joint venture company, Prevar Limited. View... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:05:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/103/nz-farm-lending-tightens http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/103/nz-farm-lending-tightens Bankers are taking a more cautious approach before they lend mortgage money for farm property, says Massey University Professor of Property Studies, Bob Hargreaves. View article... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:51:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/102/profiling-australian-shoppers-in-2050 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/102/profiling-australian-shoppers-in-2050 According to the latest research from The Nielsen Company, the profile of the Australian shopper is rapidly evolving and retailers and manufacturers in the Australian retail trade will need to develop strategies that accommodate growing ethnicity, population increases and an ageing society in order to succeed in... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:55:03 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/101/sainsburyas-eyes-china-growth http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/101/sainsburyas-eyes-china-growth UK retailer Sainsbury’s could enter the Chinese market as part of expansion plans under its new-look management team. Sainsbury’s management revamp, announced on Monday (21 June) and designed to “support and drive” the company’s long-term growth strategy, will see CFO Darren Shapland... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:52:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/100/vegie-growers-under-contract-pressure http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/100/vegie-growers-under-contract-pressure Annual negotiations on processing vegetable contracts are under way and there's pressure to cut prices. View article... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:57:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/99/improving-chance-of-rain-says-weather-bureau http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/99/improving-chance-of-rain-says-weather-bureau The weather bureau has revised its forecast, to increase the likelihood of rain across Australia over the next few months. View article... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:50:37 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/98/better-access-for-aussie-grapefruit-in-japan http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/98/better-access-for-aussie-grapefruit-in-japan Japan has given Australian citrus growers in areas affected by fruit fly the green light to export grapefruit into the prized market. View article... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:49:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/97/coles-rides-high-on-masterchef-success http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/97/coles-rides-high-on-masterchef-success Coles, the major sponsor of Channel 10’s MasterChef, has reported rushes on ingredients and kitchen equipment featured on the show. Coles General Manager Corporate Affairs, Robert Hadler, said the featured recipes on the show could be directly linked to increased sales. “There was a 30 per cent uplift... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:47:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/96/mediterranean-diet-lowers-heart-risk http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/96/mediterranean-diet-lowers-heart-risk A study of twins has shown that men eating a Mediterranean-style diet had lower risk factors for coronary artery disease, even after accounting for genetic risks. Using data from the Emory Twins Heart Study, researchers found that men eating a Mediterranean-style diet had greater heart rate variability (HRV) than... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:46:11 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/95/eu-shines-a-spotlight-on-labelling http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/95/eu-shines-a-spotlight-on-labelling The issue of nutrition labelling reared its head last week after the EU’s politicians voted for the food on sale in the region to carry guideline daily amounts and not traffic lights. It’s a debate that has rumbled on for years and that generates fierce argument on both sides. There are those... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:29:02 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/94/aussie-grapefruits-turning-japanese http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/94/aussie-grapefruits-turning-japanese Japan has announced that it will give complete market access to Australian grapefruit, where previously it only accepted fruit from fruit-fly-free areas. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the decision is good news for citrus producers across the nation. “The decision by the... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:27:58 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/93/competition-winner-calls-for-more-government-help-for-green-farming http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/93/competition-winner-calls-for-more-government-help-for-green-farming A central Queensland farmer says he'd offer more incentives for sustainable and biological farming, if he had a day as Australia's Agriculture Minister. View article... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:26:27 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/92/herb-grower-wants-mining-expansion-stemmed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/92/herb-grower-wants-mining-expansion-stemmed A NSW herb grower wants a stop to any expansion in the mining industry to help preserve regional jobs. View article... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:25:41 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/91/tomato-shortage-means-high-prices http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/91/tomato-shortage-means-high-prices The tomato harvest in North Queensland is only just underway, but prices are already three times what they were last season. View article... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:24:27 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/90/china-currency-float-could-bring-down-aussie-dollar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/90/china-currency-float-could-bring-down-aussie-dollar China's move to float its currency, the yuan, could bring good news for Australian farmers . View article... Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:23:31 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/89/tassie-apples-to-china http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/89/tassie-apples-to-china A new trade agreement is expected to open the door for Tasmanian apples into China. View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:44:16 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/88/red-soil-boosts-avocado-crop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/88/red-soil-boosts-avocado-crop Volcanic red soil on the Comboyne plateau on the NSW mid-north coast has become highly sought after. View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:51:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/87/school-veggie-patches-teach-kids-about-healthy-food http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/87/school-veggie-patches-teach-kids-about-healthy-food McCAIN Foods today announced the launch of McCAIN School Veggie Patches, a program to teach primary school children about the origin and benefits of vegetables to encourage them to make healthy food choices, by planting and growing vegetables in their own schoolyard. Award-winning chef and TV personality Pete Evans... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:26:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/86/nz-prime-minister-backs-zespri-model http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/86/nz-prime-minister-backs-zespri-model John Key underlines government's support for the existing New Zealand kiwifruit export system on visit to Zespri headquarters... View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:24:49 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/85/nz-more-growers-tipped-to-leave-unless-prices-improve http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/85/nz-more-growers-tipped-to-leave-unless-prices-improve Horticulture New Zealand is warning a new wave of growers will leave the industry if domestic fruit and vegetable prices don't improve.... View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:19:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/84/au-queensland-mango-good-quality-low-volume http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/84/au-queensland-mango-good-quality-low-volume South-east Queensland's avocado harvest is coming to a close after a season of high quality fruit say the growers. But the volumes have been low... View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:17:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/83/au-fewer-pickers-getting-work-in-riverland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/83/au-fewer-pickers-getting-work-in-riverland A smaller citrus crop with larger fruit this season is leaving many pickers without work in the South Australian Riverland... View article... Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:16:04 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/82/aussie-vegetable-prices-dropping http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/82/aussie-vegetable-prices-dropping According to AUSVEG, the price of vegetables in Australia has fallen by more than 5% in the last week AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said that wholesale vegetable prices had retreated in recent weeks, after a strong run from January until mid-March. “If you look at the figures in recent weeks, prices at the... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:56:35 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/81/sainsburyas-to-launch-portal-on-msn http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/81/sainsburyas-to-launch-portal-on-msn Sainsbury’s has signed a marketing deal with Microsoft’s MSN UK brand to create a food and drinks channel on the portal. Sainsbury’s Food and Drink, which will publish food ideas and recipes, launched yesterday. The online channel, targeted at mothers and household food shoppers, is designed to... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:54:52 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/80/vic-water-price-ends-trading-year-on-a-low http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/80/vic-water-price-ends-trading-year-on-a-low The value of Victoria's water has come flooding down. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:53:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/79/queensland-avo-production-down http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/79/queensland-avo-production-down The avocado harvest is wrapping up in south-east Queensland and growers are reporting a season of high quality fruit. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:52:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/78/new-name-more-potential-for-tasmanian-poppy-growers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/78/new-name-more-potential-for-tasmanian-poppy-growers The main organisation representing Tasmanian poppy growers is changing its name. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:51:56 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/77/ferguson-plays-down-fertiliser-price-rise-fears http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/77/ferguson-plays-down-fertiliser-price-rise-fears The Federal Government says fears that fertiliser prices will be driven up because of the resources super profits tax are unfounded. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:51:19 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/76/lobby-groups-say-tasmanian-budget-breaks-food-bowl-pledge http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/76/lobby-groups-say-tasmanian-budget-breaks-food-bowl-pledge Farm lobby group the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association says the State Budget fails to flesh out the food bowl vision for Tasmania. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:50:31 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/75/big-oranges-lose-appeal-for-overseas-buyers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/75/big-oranges-lose-appeal-for-overseas-buyers Oversized fruit and exchange rate problems have wiped an estimated 20 per cent off the value of Australian horticulture exports. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:49:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/74/lantana-the-importance-of-knowing-your-enemy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/74/lantana-the-importance-of-knowing-your-enemy Detective-like research has revealed that Australian weedy lantana is likely to have originated from the Caribbean and Venezuela and not, as it was believed, from Brazil and Mexico where many of its bio-control agents have been sourced from, raising the prospect of finding more effective agents than those that have... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:50:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/71/del-monte-launches-health-campaign http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/71/del-monte-launches-health-campaign Massive marketing initiative set to "jumpstart healthy lifestyle" with promotions across range of in-store, mobile and social media View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:44:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/72/time-ticking-on-the-need-for-phosphorus-use-efficiency http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/72/time-ticking-on-the-need-for-phosphorus-use-efficiency Water and oil are often depicted as the two limiting resources on which our future depends. However a less well-known resource, phosphorus, is just as important to ensuring our agricultural productivity. According to scientists, we are quickly running out of the 'cheap' sources of phosphorus that we use... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:47:39 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/70/citrus-australia-welcomes-rebate-to-citrus-exporters http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/70/citrus-australia-welcomes-rebate-to-citrus-exporters Citrus Australia Ltd, the national peak industry body representing citrus growers, has welcomed the announcement by federal Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke to provide one-off assistance payment to horticultural exporters... View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:40:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/73/seedless-gold http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/73/seedless-gold Two new CSIRO bred easy peel mandarin varieties are now available to farmers, who will grow the trees and release the fruit onto the market in the next few years. View article... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:48:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/69/bargain-hunters-start-early http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/69/bargain-hunters-start-early The early bird catches the worm – well at least that's what two young Waikato rural men were hoping when they arrived at Mystery Creek for the National Agricultural Fieldays at 6am on Wednesday. View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:01:31 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/68/nz-gift-duty-tax-end-in-sight http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/68/nz-gift-duty-tax-end-in-sight Federated Farmers is openly welcoming Government proposals to repeal the arcane gift duty tax, which it believes is an impediment to smooth farm succession. View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:55:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/67/australian-government-to-cover-fruit-veg-export-fees http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/67/australian-government-to-cover-fruit-veg-export-fees Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke today announced a $790,000 supply chain assistance payment for horticulture exporters. The money will cover 40% of the fees paid by exporters between 1 July 2009 and 15 September 2009, before the introduction of the Export Certification Reform Package... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:49:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/66/case-study-protecting-local-delicacies http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/66/case-study-protecting-local-delicacies Geographical indications - food products which are ‘trademarked’ only if they come from a particular production region - are an effective tool for countries to compete in a global economy, but good implementation is vital. Some of the most famous products bearing geographical indications (GI) include... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:34:14 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/65/pub-culture-doesnt-help-country-towns-develop http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/65/pub-culture-doesnt-help-country-towns-develop Many young men in the bush may love their pubs and local footy club, but it doesn't help to attract highly skilled professionals to country towns. View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:45:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/64/speed-dating-helps-when-farmers-want-a-customer http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/64/speed-dating-helps-when-farmers-want-a-customer Farmers in NSW have turned to speed dating to sell their produce. View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:10:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/63/less-work-this-year-on-riverland-orchards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/63/less-work-this-year-on-riverland-orchards South Australian Riverland growers are employing half as many pickers this year to get fruit off the tree. View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:08:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/62/europe-yes-on-country-of-origin-no-on-traffic-lights http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/62/europe-yes-on-country-of-origin-no-on-traffic-lights Compulsory country-of-origin food labelling could become mandatory for all meat, poultry, dairy products and other single-ingredient products sold in the EU after it was accepted by the European Parliament yesterday... View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:07:27 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/61/afgc-calls-for-food-security-for-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/61/afgc-calls-for-food-security-for-australia The Australian Food and Grocery Council has called on the Federal Government to create a national food strategy to sustain Australia’s growing population and safeguard the nation’s food manufacturing industry. “The rising population in Australia is a major challenge facing industry as without a... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:04:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/60/zespri-releases-three-new-varieties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/60/zespri-releases-three-new-varieties Kiwifruit marketer approves sweet green, early gold and long-storing gold cultivars for commercial planting and grafting this year View article... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:57:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/59/spc-ardmona-slashes-canning-quotas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/59/spc-ardmona-slashes-canning-quotas SPC Ardmona have advised their suppliers that the company will not be able to accept all the peaches and pears produced in the coming season. A letter from SPC Ardmona, owned by soft drink giant Coca-Cola Amatil, said that the quota for canning pears would be reduced by as much as 25%. “In the current... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:16:21 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/58/closing-in-on-aphid-resistance http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/58/closing-in-on-aphid-resistance In the search for effective, broad-spectrum resistance to aphids in a range of legume crops, CSIRO researchers are trying to isolate major aphid resistance genes and identify the key genes that are activated when the plant recognises an aphid attack. View article... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:13:49 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/57/student-researches-climate-change-attitudes-of-farmers http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/57/student-researches-climate-change-attitudes-of-farmers A University of New England Honours student is researching farmers' attitudes to climate change. [...] View article... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:31:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/56/ord-co-op-disappointed-as-queenslanders-secure-irrigation-contract http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/56/ord-co-op-disappointed-as-queenslanders-secure-irrigation-contract Queensland's SunWater has been announced by the WA Government as the preferred irrigation water service provider for the initial stage of the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project, which will see the development of 8000 hectares of new irrigated farmland. View article... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:29:48 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/55/woolies-drops-to-last-place-in-customer-satisfaction http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/55/woolies-drops-to-last-place-in-customer-satisfaction The latest figures from consumer research company Roy Morgan show customer satisfaction in Australia remains highest among Aldi’s patrons by a wide margin, followed by Coles and IGA, with Woolworths dropping to last place. Aldi customers reported 91.9% satisfaction - a 12-month high - compared to 86.4% for... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:27:53 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/54/senators-support-cutting-red-tape-on-farm-chemical-approval http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/54/senators-support-cutting-red-tape-on-farm-chemical-approval A Senate inquiry has found that proposed legislation would cut the approval time of agricultural chemicals. [...] View article... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:11:56 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/51/kitchen-gardens-school-program-gets-results http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/51/kitchen-gardens-school-program-gets-results A team of researchers from Deakin and Melbourne universities have found that children involved in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program show clear changes in attitude, knowledge, skills and confidence in relation to cooking and gardening. The program, which operates in 139 schools around Australia, helps... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:20:24 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/52/australian-consumers-watching-their-sweet-tooth http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/52/australian-consumers-watching-their-sweet-tooth New research by Datamonitor shows that consumers in Australia are more concerned with their high sugar intake, with nearly 40% of those surveyed keeping a close eye on sugar consumption... View article Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:20:44 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/53/tg-marks-kiwifruit-anniversary http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/53/tg-marks-kiwifruit-anniversary Company celebrates 51 years since Jack Turner first coined the word kiwifruit and looks forward to success with new varieties View article... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:33:08 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/50/another-cut-for-fruit-suppliers-to-spc-armona http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/50/another-cut-for-fruit-suppliers-to-spc-armona Food processor SPC Ardmona has cut the amount of fruit it will take from growers next season. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:07:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/49/netting-bananas-builds-up-the-bunches http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/49/netting-bananas-builds-up-the-bunches Bananas growing under nets in a Western Australian trial are yielding 25 per cent more fruit than those growing without net protection. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:06:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/48/growers-pine-for-buyers-in-winter http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/48/growers-pine-for-buyers-in-winter Queensland's pineapple industry is coming under pressure as supermarket shoppers look for cheaper alternatives. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:02:09 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/47/diet-advice-split-on-bananas http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/47/diet-advice-split-on-bananas Diet books and magazines could be having a real impact on the price of bananas. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:13:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/43/kiku-signs-deal-with-red-bull-racing http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/43/kiku-signs-deal-with-red-bull-racing EXCLUSIVE: Company to become Formula One team's official apple supplier this season, continuing recent sports sponsorship strategy View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:58:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/42/zespri-dismisses-tg-kiwifruit-plans http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/42/zespri-dismisses-tg-kiwifruit-plans As it prepares to decide on commercial future of four new varieties, Zespri says there's "nothing new" in T&G's global kiwifruit plans View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:32:52 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/38/australian-water-reform-in-the-international-eye http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/38/australian-water-reform-in-the-international-eye One of the world's leading water scientists has labelled Australian water reform as critical to international efforts to make irrigation sustainable. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:22:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/37/apple-industry-aghast-at-china-import-ruling http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/37/apple-industry-aghast-at-china-import-ruling Australian fruit growers have lost their appeal against a recommendation to allow chinese apples into the country. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:21:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/46/new-home-for-native-orchids http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/46/new-home-for-native-orchids Scientists have been studying three rare and endangered orchids on Alum Mountain, Bulahdelah, New South Wales, Australia, for a relocation project to allow construction of a road bypass. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:10:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/40/saff-decries-drought-aid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/40/saff-decries-drought-aid The South Australian Farmers Federation (SAFF) says the State Government's commitment of more than $4 million for drought support is not enough. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:26:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/39/case-for-banning-insecticide-overwhelming http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/39/case-for-banning-insecticide-overwhelming Australia's chemical regulator says its reviewing studies on the insecticide Endosulfan, which has now been banned in the United States because it poses an unacceptable risk to farm workers and wildlife. View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:25:10 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/45/heartland-unveils-new-apple-varieties http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/45/heartland-unveils-new-apple-varieties Divine and Adore said to be more resistant to disease and in tune with consumer preferences across a number of markets worldwide View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:02:18 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/44/australasian-growers-invest-in-prevar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/44/australasian-growers-invest-in-prevar New Zealand and Australia’s apple and pear industries will invest NZ$11.5m over the next five years in R&D View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:00:46 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/41/big-jump-for-nz-horticulture-exports http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/41/big-jump-for-nz-horticulture-exports The value of New Zealand’s horticulture exports has almost doubled in the past decade, led by kiwifruit and apple shipments View article... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:31:32 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/36/record-numbers-set-to-make-fresh-event-a-business-building-powerhouse http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/36/record-numbers-set-to-make-fresh-event-a-business-building-powerhouse Record numbers of delegates, the PMA president, major Australasian retailers and industry experts, are set to attend Fresh Event 2010 from June 9-12, making it a business-building powerhouse. The Australasian produce and floral industry will have an unprecedented opportunity to network with and gain insight... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:37:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/35/groups-outline-budget-wish-list http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/35/groups-outline-budget-wish-list The state's mining and farming sectors are hoping for a boost when the New South Wales Government releases its budget today. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:20:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/34/farmer-confidence-hits-2yr-peak http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/34/farmer-confidence-hits-2yr-peak Confidence among Victorian farmers is at its highest point in two years. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:19:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/33/senators-question-rules-on-farm-sales-to-foreigners http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/33/senators-question-rules-on-farm-sales-to-foreigners Questions have been raised at a Senate inquiry in Canberra about whether foreign investment rules go far enough to keep Australian agriculture sustainable. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:16:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/32/farmer-confidence-low-in-wa-and-north-queensland http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/32/farmer-confidence-low-in-wa-and-north-queensland Low commodity prices and rising input costs have meant farmer confidence in Western Australia has fallen for the third quarter in a row. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:15:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/30/tasmania-one-step-closer-to-foodbank http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/30/tasmania-one-step-closer-to-foodbank The planned Tasmanian Foodbank has received its license from the national body, bringing the charity one step closer to commencing operations in the state. The Foodbank Tasmanian office is set to open at the former Chickenfeed distribution centre at Cambridge, near Hobart, with the aim of providing up to 66,000... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:03:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/29/126-million-for-defence-force-nutrition http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/29/126-million-for-defence-force-nutrition Minister for Defence Science and Materiel announced a $12.6 million funding boost for redevelopment of the Scottsdale Defence Nutrition and Food Science facilities in Tasmania on Friday. “The redevelopment will include important upgrades to pilot food production facilities, and chemistry and nutrition... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:02:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/31/pakistani-mangoes-on-show-at-harrods http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/31/pakistani-mangoes-on-show-at-harrods UK department store Harrods is staging a two-week long promotion of Pakistani mangoes beginning today View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:04:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/28/farmers-increasingly-confident http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/28/farmers-increasingly-confident Confidence in Tasmania's farming community is continuing to grow according to the latest agribusiness survey. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:00:47 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/26/new-british-government-opens-the-door-for-gm-crops http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/26/new-british-government-opens-the-door-for-gm-crops The United Kingdom has taken a step closer to the commercial production of genetically modified crops, with strong backing from the new Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:57:40 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/27/onion-growers-being-urged-to-pay-a-bigger-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/27/onion-growers-being-urged-to-pay-a-bigger-levy Onions Australia is hitting the road explaining to growers the benefits of increasing the onion levy. View article... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:59:26 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/25/eu-to-overhaul-gm-crop-approval-system-sources http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/25/eu-to-overhaul-gm-crop-approval-system-sources Countries to be free to choose whether to grow or ban GM. 4 Jun 2010 10:20 PM View article... Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:30:45 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/23/leak-free-tomatoes-take-out-ausveg-award http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/23/leak-free-tomatoes-take-out-ausveg-award A new variety of tomato, the Intense Tomato from SP Exports, has received the AUSVEG Innovative Marketing Award for its ‘no more soggy sandwiches’ campaign... View Article Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:19:43 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/22/tv-advertising-pushes-imbalanced-diets-in-the-us http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/22/tv-advertising-pushes-imbalanced-diets-in-the-us American food advertising shows grossly distorted nutritional patterns, according to a study by the Armstrong Atlantic State University. Researchers documented food advertisiments on primetime and Saturday-morning television across four networks, analysing each promoted item for nutritional content and portion... Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:16:34 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/21/farmers-unhappy-about-national-wage-rise http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/21/farmers-unhappy-about-national-wage-rise The National Farmers Federation says the decision to raise the minimum wage will hurt farmers. View article... Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:15:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/20/nsw-starts-exporting-hazelnuts http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/20/nsw-starts-exporting-hazelnuts A hazelnut grower in central-west NSW has started exporting his nuts to Asia and the Middle East. View article... Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:37:52 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/19/tg-erects-kiwifruit-billboards http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/19/tg-erects-kiwifruit-billboards Turners & Growers has unveiled a set of new anti-Zespri billboards in New Zealand’s capital city View article... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:11:36 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/18/abs-retail-trade-food-up-restaurants-down http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/18/abs-retail-trade-food-up-restaurants-down New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that retail sales rose by 0.6% in April, including a 1.3% increase in food retailing and a 0.7% drop in the Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services sector. In current price trend terms, both sectors showed growth of 0.2%, an increase in the trend now... Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:33:00 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/4/fresh-event-2010-shaping-up-to-be-a-business-building-powerhouse http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/4/fresh-event-2010-shaping-up-to-be-a-business-building-powerhouse The PMA president, major Australasian retailers and industry experts make the upcoming Fresh Connections: Australia-New Zealand a business-building powerhouse Newark, Del. — At Fresh Connections: Australia-New Zealand, June 9-11, the Australasian produce and floral industry will have an unprecedented... Fri, 28 May 2010 15:25:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/17/parts-of-eyre-peninsula-seek-extension-of-drought-aid http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/17/parts-of-eyre-peninsula-seek-extension-of-drought-aid The South Australian Premier's special adviser on drought is backing a push for parts of Eyre Peninsula to stay on drought assistance funding. View article... Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:34:59 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/16/bundaberg-has-farmers-market-potential http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/16/bundaberg-has-farmers-market-potential The manager of a Brisbane farmers' market says he has identified Bundaberg as a possible location for a new operation. View article... Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:22:33 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/15/wild-birds-scorn-organic-seed http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/15/wild-birds-scorn-organic-seed A three-year study at Newcastle University in the UK has found that wild birds prefer conventional birdseed over organic. Lead researcher Dr Ailsa McKenzie said the results might be of “considerable interest to the general public in the debate over the relative merits of consuming organic food.”... Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:20:28 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/14/prevar-licenses-new-apple-cultivar http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/14/prevar-licenses-new-apple-cultivar New Zealand apple and pear variety development firm Prevar has licensed a new red apple to Havelock North Fruit Company View article... Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:34:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/11/moth-infestations-could-give-bigger-potato-yields http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/11/moth-infestations-could-give-bigger-potato-yields Infestation by the larvae of the Guatemalan potato moth (Tecia solanivora) has given researchers from Cornell University a clue to increasing potato yields, according to a new study. Researchers found that plants where 10% of the potatoes were infested with the larvae produced potatoes weighing 2.5 times more than... Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:10:01 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/8/growers-act-to-stop-passionfruit-looking-seedy-in-supermarkets http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/8/growers-act-to-stop-passionfruit-looking-seedy-in-supermarkets Passionfruit growers are about to pay a new marketing levy. View article... Mon, 31 May 2010 16:25:22 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/9/buoyant-japan-good-for-australia http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/9/buoyant-japan-good-for-australia Australian fruit exporters have welcomed news out of Japan that consumer spending there is on an upward trajectory View article... Mon, 31 May 2010 16:30:17 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1/fresh-connections-trade-show-booths-sell-out-in-record-time http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/1/fresh-connections-trade-show-booths-sell-out-in-record-time Fresh Connections 2010 Trade Show is full and tickets are selling fast Booths for the Fresh Connections Trade Show 2010 sold out in record time, while a second release of booth spaces were also snapped up. Attendees at Fresh Event 2010 will now have the opportunity to meet over 50 key suppliers to the... Thu, 20 May 2010 11:06:42 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/10/social-media-to-drive-product-recalls http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/10/social-media-to-drive-product-recalls Australian food suppliers may soon be required by law to communicate more frequently and directly to consumers by means of tailored communication methods such as social media and blogging, which will see Australia at the forefront of innovation. In a report released today, The Australian Competition and Consumer... Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:58:07 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/6/attempt-to-revive-horticulture-body-proves-fruitless http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/6/attempt-to-revive-horticulture-body-proves-fruitless The Horticulture Australia Council has been officially closed after directors conceded it can't be revived. View article... Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:05 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/12/csiro-releases-new-guide-to-food-safety http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/12/csiro-releases-new-guide-to-food-safety CSIRO has released a new book, Make It Safe: A Guide to Food Safety, a comprehensive reference book for commercial and retail food preparation and handling... Read Article Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:12:15 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/5/nz-fruit-growers-to-pay-higher-levy http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/5/nz-fruit-growers-to-pay-higher-levy Horticulture NZ confirms growers will vote on proposals to raise the current marketing levy, bringing it in line with the vegetable sector View article... Fri, 28 May 2010 16:43:30 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/3/citrus-industry-urged-to-focus-on-value-chain http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/3/citrus-industry-urged-to-focus-on-value-chain A market developer at Citrus Australia says a renewed focus on the importance of the value chain will lead to a shift to consumer-driven choices. View article... Thu, 20 May 2010 11:10:50 +1000 http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/13/palm-oil-labels-wonat-save-wildlife-afgc http://www.pma-anz.com/news/latest-news/13/palm-oil-labels-wonat-save-wildlife-afgc Mandatory labelling of food products in Australia that contain palm oil would open the “floodgates” of requests from activist groups on a wide range of issues not related to the contents or safety of a product, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said today... Read Article Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:16:35 +1000