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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced a $6.9 million investment over three years in to 25 new projects through the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).
Some of the problems or opportunities being looked in to:
• Optimising pollination of Gold3 kiwifruit under hail netting;
• Resource development for new entrant deer farmers;
• Reducing use of antimicrobials when managing mastitis;
• Understanding and managing grain storage pests;
• Increasing the market share for New Zealand olive oil.
The SFF supports farmers and researchers involved at grass-roots level to tackle shared problems or to develop new opportunities says MPI Director General, Martyn Dunne.
"Every year we receive a very high calibre of project applications, and this year was no different. This year's projects cover nine primary sectors including horticulture, forestry, dairy and meat.
"Each project has a number of milestones to reach over the three years. As milestones are reached, information is shared among the community who benefits from the project. Through the fund, we are able to support industries and communities to help each other carry out applied research and field trials.
"Our investment programmes team supports each project through their milestones and each year we are pleased by the quality of projects, and the results they produce."
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
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.