Help shape the future of farm plastics recycling - Simmonds
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
Free recycling of plastic agricultural bags is now available to farmers and growers.
Rural recycling programme AgRecovery says it is "turning up the dial" on sustainability, with the rollout of recycling of bags made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic in Marlborough and Hawke's Bay. This comes ahead of a nationwide rollout, following successful trials held in the regions last year.
Operations advisor Felicity Mitchell says the success of these trials and the enthusiasm of farmers and growers are behind the move to a permanent solution for the bags, which are used for fertiliser and fungicides.
"Our focus is now on finding other sites around the country for collecting the plastic and engaging more manufacturers to support the programme," she explains.
"LDPE is a low-quality plastic, making it more difficult to recycle, but we don't want it being burnt or buried on farms. We're passionate about finding the most sustainable solution for all the products we collect."
After 15 years of offering container and drum recycling, the not-for-profit organisation is partnering with agricultural manufacturers to clear more plastic from farms.
This initiative is part of a broader plan that AgRecovery is developing, with the government and industry, to set up product stewardship schemes for the sector.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
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