HortNZ levy vote referendum looms
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Horticulture New Zealand says the Government cannot "cherry-pick" its way through the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum.
HortNZ says it supports the 60 recommendations. But it does so with stern words of caution for the Government.
"This is an all or nothing situation for horticulture," Horticulture New Zealand natural resources and environment manager Chris Keenan says.
"The intent of this report, and the three that preceded it, is clear – to maximise the economic benefits of fresh water while managing within quality and quantity limits, set by the whole community.
"Achieving this requires everyone to play their part, and that's what all 60 of these recommendations, and the ones made previously aim to encourage.
"Only implementing some of the recommendations, and avoiding or ignoring others, will upset the delicate balance that has been achieved so far by all the sectors involved."
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.
The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has started issuing annual reports, a new initiative to share information on consumer-level recalls with the public.
The chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders, the president of the North Otago Federated Farmers, and a herd health veterinarian are among those nominated for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award this year.
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
Troubled milk processor Synlait’s co-founder John Penno has stepped down from the board.
Dairy Women's Network has announced the finalists for its Regional Leader of the Year award.