MPI manuka regulations exclude half of Northland honey crop

Northland beekeepers say they're losing millions of dollars because of the government's new definition of manuka honey, which they say excludes half of Northland's manuka crop. Honey that was fetching up to $70 a kilogram, is now worth as little as $18 - and iwi producers are meeting scientists on the Ministry for Primary Industries on Friday to vent their frustration. Dr John Craig, is a scientist and beekeeper who manages honey production for Ngati Hine Forests. He says the aim was to stop anyone boosting their grades by adding in kanuka honey - but that's backfired badly.