New boss at Animal and Plant Health
Animal and Plant Plant Health New Zealand has appointed Dr Liz Shackleton as its new chief executive.
Animal and Plant Health NZ chief executive Mark Ross says the Government needs to step up efforts to support the rural sector so that all Kiwis can access safe, healthy and affordable food.
“The farming sector has been hit by natural disasters, over-regulation, and pests that can wipe out harvests in one hit, yet it provides us with most of the food on our plates,” Ross says.
“In return, farmers suffer arduous regulations, delays in accessing technology and biosecurity incursions,” he says.
The latest biosecurity threat to hit New Zealand’s shores was the Fall armyworm, which farmers overseas have been fighting for several years.
Ross says New Zealand needs to act faster and smarter against biosecurity threats.
“If our neighbours are at war with a pest incursion, we should be ready to tackle it and offer a leg up to farmers.
“It’s pointless joining the battleground without a weapon.”
Animal and Plant Health NZ has released a manifesto, providing actions the Government can take.
They want to see an increase in research and development for food production, the adoption of genetic technology, and the implementation of a faster system for registering products against biosecurity threats.
“This will protect our $7 billion horticultural industry and $39 billion animal protein market from devastating losses,” says Ross.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.
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.
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