Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Grain industry marketing approach 'needs changing'

Updated at 7:19 am on 3 August 2010

An agribusiness consultant says the grain industry's problems stem from a poor marketing structure, and a change of approach is needed.

Over the past year or so, the industry has been hit by low and unprofitable prices, and farmers leaving the industry.

The Foundation for Arable Research and Federated Farmers have contracted Professor Tony Zwart to find out why.

Professor Zwart says he's developing a set of initiatives designed to change the marketing environment for New Zealand grain, so it can be more sustainable and competitive.

He says the initiatives will help the industry avoid the setbacks it's had during the past few years, because of fluctuating returns.

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