US opens market to NZ citrus exports

Citrus fruit growers have been given a multi million dollar boost, with news fruit can now be exported to the United States.

The breakthrough which follows several years of talks, is estimated to bring around $2 million in new business, quickly increasing to around $10 million a year.

Chairman of New Zealand Citrus Growers, Rick Curtis, said it opened access to a huge, wealthy economy well-suited to New Zealand's high quality niche products.

He said the deal also removed some of the industry's reliance on Japan's markets.

- NEWSTALK ZB