Latest from Ministry for Primary Industries

Formula en route to China without certificate

Questions remain about some $15m of NZ infant formula arriving in China next week without new import certification introduced following the 1080 poison threat, says the head of an industry group.

1080 threat: Dairy firms reassure

Dairy companies are confident security measures at their facilities are tight enough to prevent a 1080 contamination.

NZX unaware of 1080 link to futures fall

Taiwanese media criticise 1080 response

Summer's long dry persists

Dollar has hit venison but velvet strong

The New Zealand dollar's record-breaking run against the long-suffering euro has hit the local venison market hard because of its high exposure to Europe, but strong deer velvet prices have provided....

Hunt finds fruit fly larvae at weekend

Queensland fruit fly larvae were found in fruit collected from two properties in Grey Lynn at the weekend, three weeks after the initial fly was caught.

Fruit fly larvae found at Grey Lynn properties

One small fruit fly, one massive response

There are warnings NZ's $5 billion horticulture industry is threatened by the discovery of a Queensland fruit fly in Grey Lynn, and tight controls are in place.

Ban after fruit fly found in NZ

A fruit fly has been found in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn, with signs going up asking people not to move any fresh fruit or vegetables beyond the area.

Hundreds of cattle left to starve

"There were dead animals in drains." A vet has described an horrific case of mistreating cattle on a farm as the worst he has seen.

$41m funding for meaty projects

Two projects to develop premium markets for New Zealand venison and lamb have won $41 million in government and industry co-funding under the Primary Growth Partnership

Trouble-plagued ship's new woes

Trouble has again hit the Melilla 201. It's been tied up at a Dunedin wharf for two years, and nearly ran aground as it tried to leave yesterday.

Wool price hits 3-year high

Spate of fires sparks drought discussions

Farmers are weighing up asking for a drought to be declared in the Marlborough region as "atrocious" conditions sparked several fires across the South Island yesterday.

Charges to winegrowers 'unjustifiable'

The ministry is reviewing how it recovers the costs of its biosecurity and food safety systems across the country's primary industries, after under-recovering for several years.