Weekly update 18 February 2019

Full update available here

1) Government agencies:  Auckland Fruit Fly under investigation, New Zealand primary products continue to clear China border as usual; WTO Notifications; Exports essential e-book Perception of Corruption report; Using the New Zealand story

2) New Zealand News:  FTA top of mind in Agriculture Minister and EU Commissioner meeting; Exporters expand despite global challenges; New Zealand bids for World Avocado Congress; World Potato Markets’ interesting picture for processors; Potato season looking good across South Canterbury region; Minimum wage affects labour-intensive fruit exporters; Munch'n™ Kiwiberry harvest underway; New Zealand apple industry under threat from climate change; Seasonal labour shortage declared in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay; New Zealand grown' labels; Tropical fruit options brings opportunities to New Zealand growers; Australia’s most threatening plant disease targeted; UK: Researchers rally against Xylella fastidiosa; Italy Container load compliance update in combat against stink bugs
 
3) International news: GAIN reports; Patents on classical plant cultivation should not be possible"; FDA issues Final Guidance on Voluntary Food Recalls; UK: Plant health inspection facilities at place of first arrival if there's no Brexit deal; European parliament passes medical marijuana resolution; European parliament passes medical marijuana resolution; Agreement with Singapore set to give a boost to EU-Asia trade; The slow boat to Brexit Oblivion is leaving soon; The most important European markets at a glance; Blockchain for improved distribution, food safety, quality and traceability; Port of Melbourne to upgrade infrastructure; Chinese fruit retail is in the process of expansion into regional markets; Envy apple featured again at New York Fashion Week; PMA Picks: Top Produce Retail Trends and Products; Learnings from the leafy green recall; New technology puts the heat on pests; Organic industry 2019 in Europe and worldwide;  Articles on a number of more sustainable packaging and labelling approaches; Crowdfunding for sustainable agri-food; The world's most expensive and extravagant flower bouquet