Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
A new MPI report outlines the economic impacts to the primary sector from the heavy rain and flooding that affected the western North Island in June.
The total on-farm cost of the June storm affecting Taranaki and Horizons regions has been assessed at approximately $70 million with up to 800 rural properties affected.
MPI director of resource policy, David Wansbrough, says the greatest impact of the storm was on sheep and beef farms, due to landslides and damage to infrastructure.
Around 460 beef and sheep farms were affected with the on-farm economic impact estimated to total $57.6 million, says Wansbrough.
"Dairy farms were mainly impacted by silt from flooding, with an estimated on-farm economic impact of $6.4 million." he says.
Wansbrough also says damage to the horticultural sector with the on-farm crop losses are estimated to total $1.2 million.
"We know this is a stressful time for many in New Zealand's rural communities and many rural people can be reluctant to ask for help, but it is important for them to know that support is available. We encourage anyone in need of support or assistance to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or visit www.rural-support.org.nz . Services are free and confidential."
Under the Primary Sector Recovery Policy the Government classified the storm as a medium-scale adverse event.
Funding has been made available to assist the rural farming community recover from the storm to:
• Support the activities of rural support trusts to provide coordination, advice and support.
• Contract a rural recovery coordinator.
• Build resilience for future storm events.
• Assist infrastructure repairs on severely impacted farms.
• Provide assistance for clean up through Enhanced Taskforce Green.
• Provide access to Rural Assistance Payments for those in extreme financial hardship.
Grants have also been made to regional councils for land management initiatives through the Hill Country Erosion Fund.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.