New Federated Farmers meat and wool chair praises predecessor
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
All beekeepers will be now represented by Apiculture New Zealand.
Since 2002, either Federated Farmers' bee industry group or National Beekeepers Association have represented NZ apiarists.
A nine-member ApiNZ board was elected at the beekeeper organisation's annual meeting last week.
Federated Farmers bee industry group chairman John Hartnell applauds the move as great news for the apiculture industry, whose exports are forecast to exceed $300 million this year.
"This new approach brings everyone together, strengthens the voice of the industry to government and promotes research and work in industry best practice.
"With 5000 people engaged in apiculture in NZ there's potential for the industry to be worth $1 billion per year."
Federated Farmers' national president Dr William Rolleston says it's now time for the industry to move forward.
"The industry in NZ has matured to a point where [the unified] body is justified. Federated Farmers is pleased to have helped the industry for 14 years, supporting its transition.
"The bee industry group has done a marvellous job promoting the importance of a strong and healthy bee population.
"Educating our members has been a priority for the group; for example, the Trees for Bees project to enable bees to gather quality pollen and nectar raised awareness of the importance of bees to the primary industry."
Rolleston says Feds hopes many beekeepers will remain members of the organisation.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…