Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Federated Farmers is pleased to see the Government getting on with the job of reforming resource management legislation.
Today’s announcement of the return of the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill to select committee will be well received by our members, Federated Farmers RMA spokesperson Chris Allen says.
"This process has been very long and very drawn out, and I’m sure there are many Kiwis who’d been thinking this Government wouldn’t be able to get this done,” Allen says.
"So we congratulate Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith on his stickability on this issue.”
Feds will be watching with particular interest to see the detail in the proposed legislation around new provisions for enabling stock exclusion from waterways.
"This is a super hot topic for us. We are working with councils and our members all over the country on this issue,” says Allen.
"Ensuring the provisions are practical, workable and affordable will be a high priority for us.
"We’ll also be keen to see the proposals around requirements for councils to free up more land for housing.
"This is becoming an area of keen interest and concern for our members. Feds represents about 70% of New Zealand’s productive farming area.
"In my opinion government agencies need to make sure high quality soils and land isn’t sacrificed to housing, because we’ll never get it back.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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