MP Todd McClay says improvements in the kiwifruit market is positive news for Te Puke growers.

Zespri's annual report for 2013/2014 released this week shows the Psa-V recovery is well underway and the kiwifruit market is improving, says Todd, who now representas Te Puke in his Rotorua electorate.

Zespri's annual report for 2013/2014 released this week shows the Psa-V recovery is well underway.

"These past few years have been difficult for many growers in Te Puke and the wider Bay of Plenty District and it is pleasing to see the industry is continuing to recover through the resilience of local growers."

Todd says the Government continued to support local industry.

'Since the discovery of Psa in Te Puke in late 2010 there has been a very effective partnership between the Government and the industry on disease management.

"The Government has provided $25 million, matched dollar for dollar by industry, to help fight the disease," says Todd.

In March it was announced NZ Kiwifruit Growers (BOP) will be one of four organisations to receive direct Government funding through the new Industry Training Fund direct funding pilot.

A total of 1310 employees are expected to be trained through the four organisations at a cost of $2.09 million.

'This will work to boost performance and participation in industry training, encourage competition and innovation, as well as simplifying the industry training system,” says Todd.

'This is another positive step forward for our community. The Government has a strong interest in the recovery of the kiwifruit industry and I remain committed to supporting local growers."