'Living labs' to tackle emissions
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
A project that aims to develop dairy wellness products as well as build Maori agribusiness capability is to receive government funding through the Primary Growth Partnership.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has approved co-funding of $1.75 million for the three-year Whai Hua PGP programme, which is worth $3.5 million in total.
The Whai Hua programme will develop natural probiotic dairy milk products targeting health-conscious consumers in Asian and New Zealand markets.
The Whai Hua partners are leading agribusiness Wairarapa Moana Inc, which runs 10,000ha of dairy and forestry operations in central North Island, and Miraka Ltd, the first Maori-owned dairy processing company, based in Taupo.
It will operate in collaboration with in-market partners which ensures a connection with consumers.
The research partner is AgResearch. "This programme exemplifies what the PGP is all about – innovation to the fore and increasing profitability – in this case of dairy farming and processing," says Scott Gallacher, MPI deputy director-general.
Whai Hua chairman Kingi Smiler says he is pleased with the announcement and the significant benefits that this programme will bring to both organisations and the country.
The Whai Hua programme expects to generate $8.6 million a year in economic benefits to New Zealand by 2021.
It will also enhance the experience and skill base of Maori agribusinesses investing in higher valued foods and differentiated products for Asian markets.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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