MPI cuts 391 jobs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
Despite experiencing the PSA outbreak first-hand growing up, Animal and Plant Health scholarship winner Sarah Wilson says deciding to study agribusiness was the best decision she could make.
The 19-year-old attributes her enthusiasm to “an awesome ag school teacher, people working in the sector, and growing up in the heart of horticulture” in Te Puke where her family has strong connections with the kiwifruit industry.
Wilson says the outbreak of the bacterial vine disease PSA in 2011 gave her an appreciation for the tools needed to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases.
She says the “sickening hum of chainsaws” echoed in the districts as orchardists were forced to chop down their vines.
Wilson, a third year agribusiness student at Massey University, says it is important consumers understand the value of agrichemicals and the effort that the industry goes to in order to keep consumers safe.
“Each product has been thoroughly researched and industry bodies are always looking at how they can use agrichemicals more efficiently,” she says.
“If we cannot get our products to market due to pest and disease incursions, we have the potential for economic collapse.”
Wilson says she had contemplated taking the “safe option” of a career in business before settling on agribusiness and horticulture.
She says the decision to study agribusiness was “the best decision of my life”, due to the extensive opportunities and career pathways available to her.
“My degree I giving me a broad overview of primary industries that few other degrees can give.”
When she’s finished her studies, Wilson says she wants to add value and make a positive difference to the sector.
The $2,500 scholarship will go towards next year’s study costs.
Animal and Plant Health NZ chief executive Mark Ross says the association is pleased to contribute to the future of someone with so much enthusiasm for agriculture.
“We were impressed with Sarah’s drive and the commitment she showed to enhancing the primary industries,” he says.
“It’s clear that she will be an asset to the industry, and we wish her well with her career”.
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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.