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: Climate activist Greta Thunberg's recent tweet about New Zealanders' greenhouse gas emissions has gone down like a lead balloon.
Thunberg shared a Guardian article titled "Emissions from cows on New Zealand dairy farms reach record levels", highlighting a quote that pointed out NZ's emissions.
The reaction to the anxious activist's lecturing tone was swift and brutal.
"NZ accounts for less than one tenth of 1% of global CO2 emissions per year. Tackle the big polluters first. Even if you get NZ to cut ALL of its emissions, this will cut 0.0009% of global emissions," said one respondent.
"You're welcome to come visit our farmers and their world-leading emissions efficient practices that feed 40 million people. Just make sure you leave any alternative energy sources (banned), biotechnologies (banned) or access to international emissions reductions (banned) at the border," said another.
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.