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."

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