The ratification of the free trade agreement with the EU is now complete after it gained Royal Assent.

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it was ratified in a small ceremony at the Beehive today - and is now confirmed to come into effect from May.

Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says the timing is super helpful for the kiwifruit industry, after a couple of 'bumpy' years.

"We've got about 90 percent of our fruit left to ship- so a really welcome boom for growers."

LISTEN ABOVE

The ratification of the free trade agreement with the EU is now complete after it gained Royal Assent.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it was ratified in a small ceremony at the Beehive today - and is now confirmed to come into effect from May.
Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says the timing is super helpful for the kiwifruit industry, after a couple of 'bumpy' years.
"We've got about 90 percent of our fruit left to ship- so a really welcome boom for growers."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.