Feds make case for rural bank lending probe
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
THE NEW ZEALAND bee industry as we knew it 10 years ago is not what we see today, says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers bee chairperson.
Growth in hive numbers is unprecedented and there are hundreds of new entrants, he says.
"As of April 2014, managed bee hive colonies surpassed the 500,000 mark in New Zealand, with over 4000 registered bee keepers," Hartnell says.
There's a substantial lift in honey prices, a move to Manuka tree farming of high DHA (dihydroxyacetone) yield plant stock and with it more challenges to market access, increased levels of honey testing, changing food labelling laws, a proposed change to biosecurity management and the downstream effects that will bring, to name a few, he says.
The Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group will be joining with the National Beekeepers Association for the first time this year to host a New Zealand Apiculture Industry Conference in Wanganui.
"The theme of this conference is "Working Together" with a critical focus on advancing our fast growing and vital industry that is pivotal to New Zealand's economy, with an estimated annual contribution of $5 billion a year," says Hartnell.
"The industry bridges and relies on both agriculture and horticulture, providing crucial pollination services, so it is important that we establish a future focussed industry structure and work in a unified manner to deliver positive outcomes.
"This conference will be a vital opportunity for all involved to come together on the challenges and triumphs within the industry, break the mould of yesterday and forge a solid foundation for the future, which will ensure that the political framework of our country understands and supports our industry going forward.
"Only as a united and strong industry will the future of beekeeping in New Zealand achieve its maximum potential," he says.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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