Honey sector strategy aiming for sweet spot
While confident that the apiculture sector can meet its target of doubling honey exports by 2030, chair of ApicultureNZ, Nathan Guy, says it will be challenging.
Applications for funding from the Primary Industries Earthquake Relief Fund are now open, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced.
“Recently we announced a $4 million fund for uninsurable on-farm infrastructure repairs in the Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough districts. Applications are now open and will close at the end of February, and I’m hopeful the panel will make an initial assessment of some applications before Christmas,” says Guy.
“Criteria for applications has been released which includes re-establishment of uninsurable assets like water infrastructure and opening up tracks, culverts and farm bridges.
“There will one assessment panel across the three districts, including the mayor of each region and representatives from Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and independent farm consultants.
“Any grants will be a contribution towards repairs, covering a maximum of 50% of costs. There will be an excess of $5000 and capped at $50,000 per applicant.
“Applicants need to provide information including evidence of impacts and assessments of costs, ideally with photographs. Those who have already paid for work should keep a full record of your receipts and invoices.
“In these first few weeks the priority for most farmers is assessing the damage and working out what needs to be done. However people shouldn’t wait for the earthquake relief fund to make essential repairs and can apply for the fund at any stage of repair. Contact EQC for your dwelling, and your insurer as soon as possible.
“The process for this fund is similar to that used after last year’s Taranaki-Horizons storm, which a subsequent review found to have worked well.
“Farmers will also welcome new legislation which proposes that emergency works to farm properties become permitted activities until March 30, 2017.”
Guy made the announcement while in North Canterbury today before visiting Kaikoura again and local farmers around Woodchester.
Application forms, criteria and full membership of the assessment panel can be found on the Marlborough District Council website: http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Services/Emergency-Management/Emergency-Events/eq2016/PIERF
Completed forms should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and these will be coordinated prior to the panel meeting.
Three Rural Recovery Coordinators funded by the Government have also been confirmed – Jo Buckner (lead) in North Canterbury, Chris Faulls in Marlborough and Colin Nimmo in Kaikoura.
Anyone requiring information and support should call their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) or the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997. Also Federated Farmers are coordinating offers of help and requests specifically for farmers via 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).
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.
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
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.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…