A bad season or two, stockpiles and new stringent rules for what constitutes manuka honey have all played a part in its ups and downs.
And, who can forget Australia’s bold move to label its honey with our manuka brand.
But you can’t keep a good product down for long and big player Comvita reckons it’s back on track after a good second half year.
It’s taken a bit of belt tightening but Comvita is buoyed by strong sales to China and the United States that have offset the loss in sales here because of covid-19.
Recent scientific research showing honey may be better than over-the-counter medicines for treating the common cold just adds to the vault of evidence backing this superfood.
Let’s hope the industry will enjoy a long sweet spot from here.
Bryan Gibson
Comvita gains height
Comvita claims it has turned the fortunes of the health products company around with significant changes and strong second-half earnings to reverse the first-half loss.
Frustrations mount over new winter grazing rules
Government officials are being urged to explain to Otago and Southland farmers how they are to meet tough new regulations controlling winter grazing.
Farm sales bounce back
An increase in farm sales compared to the same period last year is prompting guarded optimism in the rural real estate sector, with one rural manager describing the latest results as outstanding, given the lockdown in early autumn.
Poor compliance frustrates council, farmers
The glacial speed it is taking some Waikato farmers to be fully compliant with their effluent storage is continuing to frustrate the Waikato Regional Council.
PULSE: Good season for South Island prime lambs
The decent season for lamb at the South Island sale yards has continued in the leadup to new season lamb supply coming online soon.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – South Otago farmer Rick Cameron shares his views on regenerative farming.
7.20pm – Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Alison Stewart says it’s time for the arable sector to stand up and shine.
7.30pm – New Zealand College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy will discuss her wishlist for rural maternal care.
7.40pm – Overseer and Toi Tū Envirocare have announced a carbon certification programme to help future-proof farms, meet market demand and get ahead of regulation. Overseer chief executive Carolyn Read discusses their plans.
