Zespri appears nervous about jumping into a partnership with rogue growers in China to regain control of its gold Kiwifruit business.

The co-op wants to work with the Chinese industry to manage at least four thousand hectares planted in stolen SunGold vines.

Chief growing officer Carol Ward told Mike Hosking the Chinese government supports the idea.

"Zespri needs to have confidence this will be a two-way win for us, so that's why there's a trial before a commercial deal."

Kiwi growers have voiced concern about the risks.

Ward says a trial working with the Chinese government and industry is the best way forward to managing the spread.

A Chinese grower ordered to pay Zespri $15 million in damages for removing vines from New Zealand, is appealing the case.