GE release 'will taint NZ's reputation, cost billions'
OPINION: At the September Fonterra results meeting in Waihi, I raised concerns about the viability and risks of releasing GE in New Zealand.
Fonterra is committed to playing a role in advancing Maori farming interests, says chairman John Wilson.
He says the co-op is proud to acknowledge that all three finalists in this year's Ahuwhenua Trophy awards were Fonterra suppliers.
Rakaia Incorporation this month became the first South Island dairy farm to win the Ahuwhenua Trophy; the other finalists were Ngai Tahu Farming Ltd in Canterbury and Tewi Trust in South Waikato.
Rakaia Inc runs a 216ha property near Ashburton with 830 cows and has a strong focus on the environment: all farm and household waste is recycled.
Speaking at the awards, Wilson pointed out that the three businesses had stepped up during very challenging times.
"I acknowledge the leadership shown in your farming businesses; this competition brings together large number of industry leaders.
"The common desire is to support Maori in the dairy industry; every two years we are reminded of the great stories of achievement in Maori dairying.
"The challenge is how we maintain the momentum after this evening, how we build on the relationships that have been developed."
Wilson says the industry needs to work together to attract more Maori into dairying. Fonterra remains committed to playing a significant role in that, he says.
DairyNZ chairman Michael Spaans told the 700 guests at the awards night that 130 Maori dairy farms are now in the DairyNZ DairyBase programme, which offers a wide range of benchmarks for farms.
He also announced the pilot of a Maori dairy cluster initiative where participants will focus on issues most relevant to them and deal with common issues facing the industry; the initiative begins in Bay of Plenty this year.
He also reaffirmed DairyNZ's support for getting more young Maori into dairying.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
OPINION: Hats off to our pipfruit sector.
OPINION: The country's dairy farmers will now also have a hand in providing free lunch for schools.
OPINION: The abrupt departure of Synlait chief executive Grant Watson could be a sign that Chinese company Bright Dairy, the…