Biosecurity award for M. bovis work
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
Government funding for the ongoing plan to eradicate bovine tuberculosis has been approved by Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy.
As part of an industry and Government partnership the Crown has committed $69.8m spread over the next four years (on top of $30.2m already contributed).
The remaining funding for the TB Plan of $150m spread over the same period is provided by the beef, dairy, deer and livestock exporting industries.
OSPRI chairman Jeff Grant has welcomed the announcement: "The confirmation of funding for the TBfree programme means we can fulfil our mandate and continue the excellent work done to date.
"Bovine TB has been very effectively managed in New Zealand over the past 20 years to the point where the number of cattle and deer herds showing infection has been reduced below 40."
OSPRI CEO Michelle Edge says the goal of the new TB Plan is to eradicate bovine TB from New Zealand by 2055, with freedom from TB in livestock by 2026 and wildlife by 2040. With funding now confirmed OSPRI can begin planning future operations in accordance with new TB Plan.
Two important changes to the new plan will see the introduction of risk based testing and risk based testing vector control.
Edge says, "Given the scope of these changes it is important to understand that the new plan will be phased in according to the design shaped by our field based research, and according to the new risk-based approach to livestock testing and wildlife control.
"We will be working with our service providers, such as contractors and testing organisations, to work through the implications of the new plan on our operational-based work programmes."
More details about the work to implement the new plan and the associated funding will be made public over the coming weeks.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
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.