16 Nov 2017  -  The NZ deer industry has agreed to support one of South Korea’s largest pharmaceutical companies in its plans to develop and market a product with proven health benefits based on NZ deer velvet.  The Chief Executive of Yuhan Corporation Mr Jung Hee Lee, and the Chief Executive of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), Mr Dan Coup, this morning signed a memorandum of understanding in Wellington, witnessed by the Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor and the Ambassador for the Republic of Korea, Mr Seung-bae Yeo.

Mr Lee said Yuhan’s objective is to successfully develop, register and market a health food product containing scientifically validated components of New Zealand deer velvet.

“This will be a world-first. In recent years a number of Korean companies have developed easy-to-consume formulations of traditional herbal products based on deer velvet, but none have commissioned supporting research in New Zealand to the same level of detail that Yuhan will do,” he said.

“AgResearch and Yuhan scientists will be working together to build on existing scientific knowledge. AgResearch is recognised internationally for its knowledge of velvet processing techniques, the composition of deer velvet and the potential health benefits.”

Mr Coup says DINZ and Yuhan have a shared interest in the registration of NZ deer velvet as a health food.

“If this is achieved it will further strengthen the reputation of NZ deer velvet as a natural, safe and quality food ingredient in Korea.”

He says DINZ will work with Yuhan to help promote the “New Zealand velvet story” and support the successful launch of its velvet products where appropriate.

“The two parties may also co-fund some specific areas of research and marketing activities, but these will be subject to separate agreements.”

Ms Ashley Kyung-in Chung, head of Yuhan’s food and health marketing team, said the company would be investing a minimum of $1.5 million on research with AgResearch and had budgeted for the substantial costs involved in registering a functional food claim and taking a product to market.

She said Yuhan had chosen New Zealand as the source of velvet because of the country’s transparency on three fronts – the farming environment, animal welfare and the traceable and hygienic supply chain.

“Yuhan is one of the most respected companies in Korea – consumers trust us and trust our partners. We travel the world looking for ingredients that are produced in systems as close to nature as possible and where animals are treated with care – that’s why we have come to New Zealand. Velvet from other countries does not have the same standards as New Zealand.”

As part of its market positioning, Yuhan has also signed an agreement with Alpine Deer Group.

“In our marketing we will be using images and videos of one of Alpine’s iconic high-country deer stations that will be one of our main sources of velvet. Our marketing materials will strongly reflect our connection with New Zealand as both the source of our velvet as well as the technology we are using to bring innovative velvet-based products to the market,” Ms Chung said.

Background information

Yuhan Corporation was established as a health company in 1926 by Dr Ilhan New. Today it is one of South Korea’s largest pharmaceutical companies, formulating and marketing high quality and innovative health products.

Yuhan’s 2016 sales turnover was approximately US$1.18 billion. Approximately 9% of its revenue was reinvested into research and development.

Yuhan’s mission is to create a balanced portfolio of health food products and supplements from the most natural sources for every life stage. Yuhan has been awarded the most respected company title in South Korea for the last 14 consecutive years (2017).

Yuhan has 220 highly trained scientists involved in product development and commercialisation.

For more information on Yuhan Corporation, refer to www.yuhan.co.kr

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) is a marketing authority established by the Deer Industry New Zealand Regulations 2004 pursuant to the Primary Products Marketing Act 1953. Functions of DINZ relevant to the MOU with Yuhan are:

    a. to promote and assist the development of the deer industry in New Zealand    b. to assist in the organisation and development of the marketing of products derived from deer    c. to assist in the development of existing and new markets for products derived from deer.

DINZ works closely with New Zealand’s leading Crown Research Institute, AgResearch, and has a joint venture partnership with AgResearch called Velvet Antler Research New Zealand (VARNZ).

For more information on DINZ, refer to www.deernz.org

| A DeerNZ release  ||  November 16, 2017   |||

9 Nov 2017  -  New Zealand’s exports in semi-processed casings are set to resume in the next few weeks following successful talks between New Zealand and China. Semi-processed casings are thin tubular cases used as sausage skins. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says trade discussions have been successful.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries and Chinese authorities have successfully completed talks to enable exports of semi-processed natural casings from New Zealand to China to resume.

“In 2013, New Zealand voluntarily suspended exports in semi-processed casings in response to discussions with Chinese authorities about the processing steps for these casings.

"New Zealand was able to provide information to Chinese authorities and work with them on revised certification requirements to enable trade to resume next month,” says Damien.

“International trade is built on good working relationships between countries and I’m pleased that trade in semi-processed casings will resume soon.

“Natural casings from New Zealand have traditionally been in high demand in China.

“New Zealand currently exports fully processed casings to China. Access for semi-processed casings will provide industry with opportunities to increase export value and returns.

“China will be a significant market for our semi-processed casings, with exports expected to exceed $100 million.

“This progress is further demonstration of the positive relationship New Zealand shares with China."

Nov 7, 2017  -   A Carterton business which produces a third of the country’s bacon could bring more jobs to the region after it undergoes a development worth more than $10 million. The expansion of the Premier Beehive factory is scheduled to be completed in November next year.  Managing director Dene McKay has worked with Premier Beehive for nine years but has not seen anything like the upgrade that is planned for the factory on Moreton Rd.

“We’ve outgrown the space that we have in regards to the footprint and capability.”

The planned development was a “big investment” and would take just over a year, he said.

“We have no plans to go anywhere else, we are committed to our staff in the area.”

It naturally follows on from the “rapid growth” the company had seen over the past six or so years.

In that period business had doubled and it was “timely” to now expand the facilities.

The company has a turnover of more than $100 million and was forecasted to sell more than 13,000 tonnes of product this year.

Premier Beehive exports a small amount of products to Hong Kong, with the vast majority of ham hocks and streaky bacon strips feeding the hungry domestic market.

“Our streaky bacon is the number one selling bacon in the country,” Mr McKay said.

The company’s shaved ham products were also market-leading products, he said.

“Our bacon share, at the moment, is about 34 per cent of the market and our prepacked ham share is about 37 per cent of the market.”

Over a year ago, the company invested in some sausage manufacturing equipment and the planned expansion would assist in growing that category, he said.

During the lead up to Christmas there would be more than 300 employees in the factory.

Mr McKay said he was proud of the company’s progress and that it echoed the efforts of the staff.

“The effort that’s gone into the production of these products is reflected in our position in the marketplace.”

Carterton Mayor John Booth has been one of the main port of calls during the resource consent process.

“Some of the machinery is outside and there has been a bit of noise attached to it,” he said.

“They have made a really conscious effort in their building programme to house a lot of that machinery inside.

“It just shows you it’s a responsible business.”

It was good to have a business like that expanding because it showed confidence in the district, Mr Booth said.

“They are buying into what Carterton is and the progressive way we approach things.”

It would add to the positive feeling in the district at the moment, he said.

The business started life as a family-owned pig processing company in 1991.

The Reid family sold their business on in a move that would create the Premier Beehive brand.

It has changed hands twice since, and is now owned by global brand JBS Australia.

| A Wairarapa TimesAge release || November 6,  2017   |||

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) believes there is an opportunity for new economic investment projects such as a $1 billion per annum Regional Development (Provincial Growth) Fund, following the change in government.

Elections were held last month, with the National Party replaced by a coalition between Labour, NZ First and the Green party - to be led by Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister. HortNZ Chief Executive, Mike Chapman admits while it is still early days and there is not a lot of detail around changes to policy and law yet, he says there are some opportunities surrounding regional development Matthew Russell writes in FreshPlaza.

"We have made it very clear that we want to work with the Government and be consulted as policy and law changes that affect horticulture growers are developed - and so far, there is every indication this will happen," Mr Chapman said. "A change in Government after nine years, and particularly the make-up of the new Government as an agreement between three separate and quite different parties led by the Labour Party, will undoubtedly have impacts on horticulture. We are aware that growers have concerns about some of the policies that the new Government has posed. It is our job to give voice to those concerns through the policy and law making processes as we represent growers in Wellington. We will continue to do this and have established some good connections with key Ministers."

One of the big changes to be announced so far by the new government is the scrapping of the Primary Industries portfolio, to be separated into Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. HortNZ says while exact details on how this will work are yet to emerge, the decision could have some positives and negatives.

"We welcome increased focus on the portfolios that cover horticulture, particularly biosecurity and food safety," Mr Chapman said. "We do have some concerns about some of the pan-industry funds continuing as the Primary Growth Partnership and Sustainable Farming Fund are vital to science and innovation being developed to keep New Zealand horticulture up with the rest of the world, and preferably ahead at the cutting edge. We would want to see some capacity in policy and law development to be inclusive of all the primary industries, which has been the advantage of the Ministry for Primary Industries."

He added he also has some concerns over Select Committee Inquiries (the coalition agreement has one into Biosecurity), as well as dismantling and rebuilding government departments has the potential to reduce productivity and slow down progress. One piece of legislation he does not want delayed is the Green Party's Consumers’ Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Bill 2016 which went through its first reading and was passed through to Select Committee prior to the election. The Select Committee is due to report back, which means it soon could be passed into law.

Another change Prime Minister Ardern made was to the Trade portfolio, which was expanded to include Export Growth, and HortNZ says retaining the current market access, while opening up new markets is critical to trade.

"We would want to see a continuation of free trade agreements, tariff reductions and the elimination of non-tariff barriers," Mr Chapman said. "Horticulture has a number of crops trying for access to the important Chinese market and we are certainly prepared to follow an “aspirational” path and work with the Government on export growth in our sector. (But) We have some concerns around restriction of foreign investment and the impact that might have on driving research and development and innovation."

Mr Chapman is pleased to see that the water tax appears to be off the table, but is mindful that improving fresh water quality is going to be a strong focus and it is likely that action in this area will begin within the first 100 days when there is impetus for the new Government to shape up on its election promises. While he says plans to increase the minimum wage over the next three years have all sorts of implications, including the consequence that all other wages will have to go up accordingly, creating a concern for small and medium sized businesses.

HortNZ has also been ramping up its ongoing calls for a national food security policy for the country, following mooted plans by Infrastructure New Zealand to grow a satellite city in Pukekohe housing 500,000 people. Mr Chapman last week took to several national television programmes, and other media platforms to advocate for the sector and wants the government to take action.

"We have indicated to the new (Agriculture) Minister Damien O’Connor that this is something we want to see progress under the new government," Mr Chapman said. "The basis of this policy is to ensure an ongoing supply of New Zealand grown fresh fruit and vegetables for New Zealanders to eat. With rapid urban development in many parts of New Zealand, we are concerned local interests will surpass the interests of a national food supply, with prime growing land being lost to housing and infrastructure. There needs to be a wider national interest view over the top of all the local government decision-making."

Beckie wilson writes in the  Wairarapa Times Age about a family meat processing company that has created a niche for meat products away from the larger red meat exporters and has hit the nail on the head. The Everton family don’t want to be “lumbered in the same box” as other red meat providers.

They pride themselves on the integrated process of owning the meat all the way from the paddock to the plate.

Cabernet Foods Ltd and the processing plant Kintyre Meats has been working out of rural Carterton for the past 17 years.

Lyndon Everton, the managing director and in charge of processing, works in the Wairarapa office on Gladstone Rd.

The family company recently won the chilled/short shelf life award for their Everton Dry Aged Beef at the NZ Food Awards.

Mr Everton said it was great to be recognised for the smaller meat exporter that they are.

“The red meat sector is very challenging when it comes to the larger exporters which overshadows smaller exporters like us,” Mr Everton said.

“We don’t want to be regarded as just meat, we have got responsibilities behind our name and brand, whether it be an animal welfare aspect, or environment sustainability aspect.”

They were approached by a food technologist three years ago to develop the speciality product, which they carried on into the commercial and retail stages.

Continue here to read the full article  ||  October 26,  2017   |||

DUBAI, 24th October, 2017 (WAM) -- Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of Dubai Economy, in partnership with the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, DIEDC, conducted the first-ever Islamic Economy trade mission to New Zealand, comprising business leaders and government officials, who sought to strengthen the emirate’s position in the global trade for Sharia compliant products and services.

With a low population and a food-export-driven economy, New Zealand is viewed as a major market and potential partner in channeling trade through Dubai. The red meat industry is one of New Zealand’s major export earners bringing in more than AED15 billion annually. This accounts for 15 percent of New Zealand’s total export revenue, and 27 percent of New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue. In addition, New Zealand exports over AED3 billion worth of skins and hides from sheep and cattle, mainly to be used in the fashion industry.

New Zealand is also a major dairy exporter with the sector contributing more than AED20 billion, or 3.5 percent to the country’s total gross domestic product. As an island nation, the aquaculture industry plays an important role, and seafood trade contributes nearly AED4 billion to the economy.

The trade mission focused on broader areas of the Islamic Economy in New Zealand and the UAE Embassy hosted an exhibition of Emirati art works, the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Saleh Al Suwaidi , the UAE Ambassador in Wellington, said, "The UAE has a natural fit with New Zealand in terms of trade, particularly since the UAE has only one percent arable land and imports a large quantity of red meat and dairy from New Zealand. Connecting with New Zealand allows the UAE to strengthen its hub-to-hub strategy of linking producer and consumer countries via the emirates."

The mission hosted an important forum in association with the New Zealand Middle East Business Council. Todd McClay, the New Zealand Minister of Trade, addressed the forum and referred to the long and friendly relations between the states, as well as the growing Islamic consumer market. He emphasised the Halal sector as a potential area to enhance bilateral trade.

Abdulla Al Awar, CEO of DIEDC, said, "Today, food and beverage accounts for a little over a third of the Halal market and the real growth areas are in lifestyles and technology. New Zealand is ideally placed to allow for synergy in these growing areas."

Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Exports, said that the Halal trade is set to grow further and mark a significant shift in the immediate future away from being a niche market segment to become mainstream. "We are already seeing signs of this as non-Muslim consumers are purchasing Halal products and services due to its natural and wholesome nature. In the financial services sector we have seen that a large proportion of the customers of Islamic banks are actually non-Muslim and this trend will continue into other business areas."

| A Emirates News Agency release  ||  October 25,  2017   2017   |||

This year has seen a lot of significant changes for Rockit apples: new private equity investors, new board members and a new CEO writes Nicola Watson for FreshPlaza

"It has been quite a watershed year for us," explains new CEO, Austin Mortimer. "It was time for changes within the company, the board and the founder of Rockit had different views as to the direction that the company should go in. It was determined that one side would buy out the other. The shareholder group raised the funds by introducing private equity to buy out the founder."

Rockit has always been promoted as an innovative snack product, and is not to be confused with a commodity apple.

"We want to define our position in the market place more clearly. We see other channels available to us other than mass retail or grocery. Small convenience stores, for example, and the "grab'n go" section of small retailers where the shelf space is more and more being given to healthy snacks. We see our two or three count tubes sitting nicely in that space alongside the hard boiled eggs and muesli bars. The tube supports the idea of it being ready to eat and of course, being an apple, it is healthy."

Austin says that most of the sales just now are made with 3,4 and 5 count tubes, but they are trialling a two piece for vending machines and a one piece for airline and hotel services. He believes the packaging on the small apple will assure people that the apple is clean and fresh.

"Rockit is currently grown in 9 countries and we are considering whether to plant in South Africa and Chile," said Austin. "You need to look at which markets you would serve with the production in there. Apples are mainly grown for export in those countries, Chile exports to the US and South Africa to Europe and since we already have production in both there is not a big need to grow in Chile or South Africa, although Africa is a fast growing market."

80% of Rockit apples grown are within the standard size, there are a number of diameters which cater to the majority of a standard Rockit tree.

"The taste profile is also important and while there are differences between different growing regions, these are not insurmountable," according to Austin. "Most of the Rockit apples are grown for their domestic markets so consumers get a stable taste profile. It is different in markets in Asia, where we need to have several sources to get a year round supply, we hope that with strict quality control we can keep the taste as stable as possible."

In Europe and North America the number of licences issued to grow Rockit apples are for a certain number of trees and the licensees are close to the limit of what they can plant. In New Zealand it is different, according to Austin, the new private equity investors are quite bullish about the opportunity and it is his intention to plant quite a bit more trees.

"It is significant for New Zealand that private equity have bought into it a traditional business, particularly one which is considered high risk in terms of horticulture. They see that we are building a global brand its not just about selling apples. They obviously see a lot of potential, it just goes to show that you can add value to what was a commodity."

"We have no reason to doubt the market for the Rockit apple, we have sold out every year. In 2017 we sold out 10 weeks earlier than ever before, with 40% increase in volume."

The Rockit apple is on the shelves in around 29 different countries, and the next target market is Japan where they hope to start sending apples in 2018.

Austin reckons that the reason the Rockit apple is popular on the Asian market is because it is very sweet and people are happy to eat a smaller apple.

"The feedback we have had from our research in Japan, where you get some very big apples, and demographics tell us there are a big percentage of people who live on their own and also a lot of older people. These people do not want a big apple which they can't finish and just end up leaving most of it. Also our experience from the countries which we are already selling in, is that because it is red and very sweet and crunchy, size doesn't matter, in fact they're more accepting of the smaller apples."

| A FreshPlaza release  ||  October 18,  2017   |||

T&G’s Lotatoes have fended off four other food innovators to win The Ministry for Primary Industries Primary Sector Products Award at the 2017 New Zealand Food Awards Reports.

The category promotes, recognises and showcases innovations in primary sector products, processing and packaging methods.

“Lotatoes are sustainably grown right here in New Zealand by passionate farmers loved by kiwi consumers. We’re extremely proud to win at the 2017 New Zealand Food Awards,” says Andrew Keaney, executive general manager, T&G who accepted the top award.

“Having judges recognise Lotatoes confirms we’re is on the right track, so hats off to the dedicated teams from T&G and our growing partners Balle Brother and Masters Produce for getting Lotatoes from the soil to the supermarket shelves.”

This potato, which has 40% less carbs and fewer calories than other potato varieties, was developed by cross-breeding different varieties of potato seeds together.

The seeds have a shorter, more sustainable, growth cycle using less water than traditional spuds making them better for the environment, T&G told FreshPlaza.

| A T&G release published in FreshPlaza  ||  October 13,  2017   |||

AgResearch is entering into a major programme to prepare New Zealand for the new era of digital agriculture.

The programme will identify the barriers to taking up new digital technologies on and off the farm, and will develop a technology roadmap to support the industry's transition.

Many farmers are already using technologies such as sensors on their farms connected to their mobile phones or devices. However there is enormous potential for uptake of exciting new tools, alongside digital platforms that can bring together and analyse large amounts of data from different sources across the farm to guide decision-making.

"There are huge gains on offer from digital agriculture in terms of productivity, the environments we farm in, and pressures on farmers," says AgResearch Research Director Greg Murison.

"It's crucial that New Zealand - as an agricultural nation and exporter - stays ahead of the game.

We want to support the industries as best we can to do that. We believe our programme will be among the first of its kind where a system-wide analysis of digital agriculture has been undertaken in New Zealand."

"There's a lot of smart people and companies developing these new digital tools for farmers. Our role is looking at the big picture of adoption across New Zealand, and how best to measure and interpret the data essential to the operation of these tools. We are already collecting data from the likes of our Tokanui research farm, where for example we are digitally tracking the movements and behaviour of the cows."

"We are also focused on the testing and trialling of new technologies that become available - to see how they can be integrated into New Zealand farming systems, and what value they can bring for our farmers.

We have recently partnered with Australian firm Agersens to trial its new virtual fencing technology in New Zealand. This technology uses collars on the livestock that enable farmers to restrict, move and monitor their animals - from anywhere and anytime - via an app."

A component of digital agriculture is precision agriculture, where variability of crops is monitored, measured and responded to with the purpose of optimising returns and preserving resources.

The International Tri-Conference for Precision Agriculture in 2017 will be held in Hamilton from October 16-18.

Visit www.precisionagriculture.org.nz for more information.

| A TheCountry release  ||  October 13,  2017   |||

A new biocontrol Tamarixia trioaze, a parasitoid wasp which destroys the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) pest, has been released in Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury.

These initial releases are the start of a wider planned release and monitoring programme that is being supported with funding through the government’s Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).

The Tomato Potato Psyllid has caused enormous problems for the potato, tomato, capsicum and tamarillo growers in New Zealand since it was discovered here in 2006.

Since then, the industry has been waging a battle to control this insect pest. Tamarixia, a tiny wasp that lays its eggs on the psyllid, which then hatch and eat the psyllid, is a biological control option. Tamarixia is found in the USA and Mexico as a naturally occurring parasitoid of Tomato Potato Psyllid.

The Tamarixia were released onto African boxthorn - a TPP overwintering host, as there are currently no host crops such as potatoes or tomatoes in the ground.

The industry groups involved are now looking at ways of ensuring a supply of Tamarixia will be available for release by commercial growers this summer.

The application to release Tamarixia by Horticulture New Zealand's Vegetable and Research Innovation Board on behalf of industry groups including Potatoes New Zealand, Tomatoes NZ, Vegetables New Zealand, the NZ Tamarillo Growers Association and Heinz-Wattie’s NZ Ltd., was approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in June 2016.

| A HorticultureNZ TomatoNZ release  ||  October 12,  2017   |||