Food and fibre export revenue is projected to surge to a record $50.8 billion in the year to 30 June 2022 – an increase of 6 percent over the previous year. “This is the first time New Zealand’s annual food and fibre export revenue will crack $50 billion – a result we should all be […]
Horticulture
Feds backs withdrawal from government’s archaic pay agreement laws
December 9, 2021 Federated Farmers supports Business New Zealand’s decision to opt out of the government’s plans for it to be a partner in implementing so-called ‘Fair Pay’ agreements. Federated Farmers has already indicated it will not function as a mediator for the government’s flawed pay negotiation scheme. It fully supports Business New Zealand’s decision. […]
Accelerated breeding for healthy African beans
The University of Western Australia’s Institute of Agriculture and researchers from six partner countries in East Africa have shown how to accelerate breeding of healthier and faster-cooking African common beans. The study, recently published in The Plant Genome, used modern plant breeding methods to accelerate genetic gains by crossing among 358 common bean varieties. This […]
Herbicide resistance greater than expected; growing concern
Herbicide resistance is emerging as a serious and growing threat to New Zealand’s food production, with recent surveys by scientists finding half or more of arable farms and vineyards in some regions have weeds resistant to commonly used herbicides. AgResearch scientists, who are carrying out the first systematic approach to surveying for herbicide-resistant weeds in […]
Urban Kiwis and Farmers Share a Vision for Sustainable Food Production
When it comes to sustainable food, what matters more? What we’re buying. Or where, and who, we’re buying our food from? New research from @ourlandandwater suggests that urban Kiwis see supporting farmers directly with their dollar as the strongest sustainable food choice they can make. The study found that town or country, Kiwis have mostly […]
Wellbeing support package unveiled for horticulture sector
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced the rollout of a wellbeing support package for fruit growers facing tough times. “I understand it’s challenging at the moment. The pandemic has led to national workforce issues and orchardists down south have suffered crop losses caused by weather events. “This package significantly boosts funding and resources to support […]
First shipment of record Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit crop sets sail for Japan and Korea
The first shipment of what is expected to be a record season of New Zealand-grown Zespri Kiwifruit is now en route to Tokyo and Busan. The fruit is aboard the MV Kakariki, the second of three new specialised reefer vessels built by Fresh Carriers to ship New Zealand-grown kiwifruit to Zespri’s Asian markets, with the […]
Waitangi Day – top seven employment tips you need to know
This year, Waitangi Day falls on Saturday 6 February and is observed on that day or Monday 8 February. Here are seven items you need to know about rights for employees and obligations for employers. Mondayisation for Waitangi Day As Waitangi Day falls on a Saturday this year it means that that this holiday is […]
Peanut crops trialled in Northland
Pic’s Peanut Butter has kicked off a project to look at the feasibility of growing peanuts commercially in Northland, with backing from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The $91,320 project is led by Picot Productions, and MPI is contributing more than $59,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. Research expertise is being […]
Positive start to export onion season
The 2021 New Zealand export onion season is off to an early and positive start. ‘Amongst all the turmoil created by Covid and the weather, it’s great to be able to report that exports of New Zealand onions to Indonesia are underway, two months earlier than last year,’ says Onions New Zealand Chief Executive, James […]