Planting natives for the future
Te Awamutu dairy farmers Doug, Penny, Josh and Bayley Storey have planted more than 25,000 native trees on the family farm, adding to a generations-old native forest.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter says the Government is reviewing three forestry schemes to decide whether they need to be tweaked to encourage more forestry plantings.
This coincides with a fall in the international price of carbon from a high of $25 to the present low of $3 a tonne.
Carter says he's aware of the criticism about overseas carbon credits. "Anybody in the New Zealand forestry industry expecting a return out of carbon is obviously concerned. They are looking for ways to insulate New Zealand from the international carbon price. I personally believe we need to see more trees planted in New Zealand particularly in areas of the land which are eroding significantly."
Carter says the three schemes in question – The East Coast Forestry Project, The Hill Country Erosion Programme and the Afforestation Grant Scheme – are being reviewed.
Hunters around the country are hoping for some foul weather this weekend with the game bird season getting underway.
Farmers have been airing their concerns to the Government over changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.
Cash flow budgeting is going to be critical for dairy farmers in the coming season.
Southland farmers are welcoming moves by the Government to repeal intensive winter grazing rules.
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
Sam McIvor has been appointed OSPRI’s next chief executive.