Import rates for German pears have remained virtually unchanged from 2014 to 2018. Only in 2018 there was a slight reduction of about 5,000 tonnes. The import prices of the pears were slightly unstable, as a report by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food shows. read more...

The hot and dry conditions of the past summer have caused bee colony numbers to take a dive, creating potential headaches for those requiring pollination services later in the year. Kerry Chambers, Half Barrel Honey beekeeper, stated the demand for pollination was growing on the back of an increased number of almond trees being planted in the Riverland. read more...

Australian Organic Limited has officially joined the National Farmers' Federation. As a not-for-profit industry body, Australian Organic (formerly Biological Farmers of Australia) represents the organic industry across various issues. There are an estimated 1998 certified organic primary producers in Australia (including farmers, graziers, apiarists and wild harvesters). read more...

New Zealand has declared a labor shortage for the kiwifruit industry in the Bay of Plenty (BOP), relaxing regulations so overseas visitors can apply to vary the conditions of their visa to allow up to six weeks of seasonal work. read more...

A new ownership structure for the trans-Tasman breeding program, Prevar, will benefit growers on both sides of the Tasman stated APAL. read more...