Plant-based bubble bursts
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird Ventures, and its products are no longer available in supermarkets.
OPINION: On tackling methane emissions, global animal health giant DSM will be hoping for a more sympathetic reception from the new Government when it comes to Bovaer, its feed additive that reduces methane emissions in livestock.
While DSM recently received approval from the Environmental Protection Authority that Bovaer can be used as a feed additive, it’s registration still hasn’t been confirmed. At the same time Bovaer has been registered and sold by DSM in many countries including Australia.
The previous Government has come under criticism from farming leaders for the delay in approving Bovaer.
According to the EPA, DSM applied in 2021 to import or manufacture a substance (Bovaer) containing 10-25% of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) – a chemical that is new to New Zealand.
DSM says 3-NOP can reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals, including cows, sheep and goats, by 30%.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.