There is no unified, single definition of what ‘regenerative agriculture’ is globally. A new report argues New Zealand should step up and craft that definition – and seize the market premiums that could go with it. New York-based Alpha Food Labs spearheaded a global research project on consumers’ attitudes to regenerative agriculture on behalf of […]
Environment
Feds whistle up support for the whio
Federated Farmers is once again championing the whio (blue duck) to take the Bird of the Year title. New Zealanders sticking to their home bubble under COVID alert levels should feel some affinity for this plucky and endangered native duck because they also live rather isolated lives in the less modified catchments of the Urerewa, […]
McDonald’s beefs up environmentally friendly farming
Unique public-private partnership with AgResearch to trial regenerative beef farming. In a partnership that links scientific research with burger fans, McDonald’s and science provider AgResearch have joined forces on a regenerative farming trial. The two organisations have a shared interest in positively influencing the sustainability of pasture-based beef production and are working together on a […]
NZ primary sector best performer in global emissions survey
The New Zealand agriculture, land use and forestry sector has been ranked No 1 of 32 nations for the way it is getting to grips with climate change issues. “With environmental NGOs and commentators regularly pointing the finger of blame at our farmers it’s pleasing to see an independent and in-depth assessment tell a very […]
Federated Farmers pushing hard for practicality
In July and August the Government released discussion documents proposing to make changes to the stock exclusion regulations in respect of the low slope map and the intensive winter grazing rules. These changes were in large part sparked by Federated Farmers, and others in TeamAg, continuing to lobby the Government to change the unworkable aspects […]
Green light for composting shelter study
By Simon Edwards There’s growing farmer interest in composting shelters – sometimes called “composting mootels” – but not a lot of verifiable information on how they impact the environment and balance sheets. A team led by Rachel Durie of Perrin Ag Consultants aims to change that. As one of 12 projects to get the green […]
Feds to work with Taumata Arowai as water supply exemption refused
With the Water Services Bill passing its third reading on September 28 without an exemption for small suppliers, Federated Farmers is now focusing on the Minister’s undertakings around making the processes simple, cost-effective and practical. “Federated Farmers is deeply disappointed that the strong case for a carve-out from the new regulations for those supplying water […]
New water regime is overkill for small rural suppliers
By Rhea Dasent, Federated Farmers Regional Policy Advisor I’m disappointed that the Water Services Bill has passed its third reading in parliament with no exemption for small rural suppliers, despite Federated Farmers’ best efforts. At first it appeared to be an oversight that a farm water supply like my family’s was captured by a Bill […]
Don’t blame us if land use switches to non-productive carbon farming
by Roger Ludbrook, Meat and Fibre Chair, Federated Farmers Northland OPINION: As a farmer I believe climate change is real and reducing our carbon emissions is important. What I am not convinced about is the process and the manipulation of the public by the current government and the Greens around how to reduce our CO2 […]
Farmers flock to climate change workshops
Over the next two weeks, more than 1500 farmers around New Zealand are getting to grips with why and how they should start responding to a changing climate, thanks to new workshops run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Silver Fern Farms (SFF). The 59 workshops kicked off this week and are focused […]