ASB and Lincoln University Report: Smarter Land Use Could Unlock Billions for NZ Farmers
A new report from ASB and Lincoln University shows how smarter, more diverse land use could unlock billions in value for farmers and the wider economy.
Lincoln's part in a $156m World Bank-funded project to sustainably manage and help spread technology through Indonesian agriculture was formally recognised last week.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robin Pollard signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD) Executive Secretary Dr M Prama Yufdy on May 6.
IAARD is part of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and is implementing the Sustainable Management of Agricultural Research and Technology Dissemination (SMARTD) project funded by the World Bank.
Lincoln already has several IAARD staff studying at post graduate level after they completed the University's English language programme, and there is a need for more staff to be upskilled. IAARD have been sending staff to North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand for training.
The agreement establishes areas where Lincoln could further increase its involvement in the training as well as looking at other areas of collaboration.
These include; Government scholarship programmes aimed at addressing institutional research needs in Indonesia, establishing pathways for Indonesian students to complete Masters and PhD Programmes in relevant agricultural fields, as well as the development of collaborative research projects in priority areas.
Lincoln's director of international and student engagement, Dee Coleman, says Lincoln's strength in agriculture has been favourable for the Indonesian Government and "we welcome these relationships where we can engage in international knowledge sharing between nations".
"The perception in Indonesia of Lincoln as New Zealand's specialist land based university is cemented, and it lifts our academic profile with other Government departments," she says.
Indonesia is the world's 16th largest economy but projected to be the seventh largest by 2030, according to NZ's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It has a growing consumer class among the population of 251 million.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.