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 […]
Water
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Water entity concerns run too deep to just press ahead
Federated Farmers joins the many council elected representatives and citizens up and down the country urging the government to go back to the drawing board on reform of three waters delivery. “While it’s clear that billions of dollars of investment are needed to get drinking water, stormwater and sewerage infrastructure up to scratch, there are […]
Primary sector calls for clear, achievable freshwater farm plans
Government submissions by two primary sector organisations, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, are calling for proposed new freshwater farm plan rules to be clear and achievable. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and DairyNZ support freshwater farm plans, in principle, however clarity is needed on how the rules fit with broader regional and […]
Feds President’s letter on the Water Services Bill
Last Thursday the Water Services Bill went through its Committee Stage. The Third Reading is likely to happen this week. The National Party’s supplementary order paper, calling for those who supply 30 connections or fewer to be exempted, was defeated. (Federated Farmers had suggested an exemption for supplies to 50 people or fewer.) Local Government […]
Thomson Creek Catchment Group making good progress
Over the last two and a half years, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) have worked on a project to improve the freshwater health in four catchment groups from across the country, with help from the Ministry for Environment’s (MfE) Freshwater Improvement Fund. One of these four catchment groups was the Thomson’s Creek Catchment Community […]
Water tank manufacturers flooded with demand
By Matthew Boyle Across the country water tank manufacturers are seeing a noticeable increase in demand for water tanks, and are urging those wanting to order one to do it now. This increase in demand coincides with concern Federated Farmers has with the Water Services Bill, which recently went back to Parliament for its second […]