12 Jun 2010

Pipfruit industry strengthens relationship with Australia

5:54 pm on 12 June 2010

The New Zealand pipfruit industry is strengthening its relationship with its trans-Tasman counterpart, despite a 90-year battle over access of apples into Australia.

Pipfruit growers on both sides of the Tasman have invested a further $11.5 million over the next five years into a company that commercialises new apple and pear varieties.

Prevar, a joint-venture company based in Hawke's Bay, was formed in 2004 to commercialise new pipfruit varieties bred by Plant and Food Research.

So far, it has licensed five new apple and three pear cultivars.

Chief executive Dr Brett Ennis says the new funding will allow the company to build on its work and grow the company internationally.