Friday, 25 January 2013 12:17

Nitrate levels ‘must be re-examined’

Written by Pamela Tipa

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

The Fonterra Shareholders' Council, which represents the cooperative's 10,500 Farmer Shareholders, said it was important for regional councils to work closely with affected farmers and re-examine nitrate level targets following the announcement by Ravensdown and Ballance to suspend the sale and use of Dicyandiamide (DCD) treatment on farm.

The decision was prompted after minimal levels of the nitrate inhibiter were found in dairy product samples and while its presence poses no health risk the suspension of its use is seen by all parties as a pragmatic, proactive move.

Shareholders' Council chairman, Ian Brown: "Fonterra Farmers and regional councils have been working hard to develop plans for reducing nitrate levels and greenhouse gas emissions on farm and DCD was identified as an efficient way of achieving these.

"The outcome is disappointing for all stakeholders and will affect the ability of around 400 farmers to meet the nitrate level targets which were set based on the ongoing use of DCD - targets they have been working hard to meet.

"We are confident that regional councils and all stakeholders will continue to work closely with Fonterra and our affected farmers in order to review the targets."

Featured

NSW approves virtual fencing on farms

Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.

Hawke's Bay teen helps rural families access affordable school uniforms

Hawke's Bay teenage entrepreneur Hugo Moffett is helping the rural community access cheaper school uniforms, all without leaving their homes.

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

Positive response to freshwater farm plan reforms

There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.

Massey University trials superior beef genetics in dairy farms with Beef+Lamb NZ

Massey University has begun trialling the use of superior beef genetics in its two dairy farms as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's dairy beef progeny test.

Featherston to host annual booktown festival

The annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival – a fusion of books and storytelling - celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

National

Co-existence with genetic modification 'possible'

Co-existence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM plants in New Zealand industries will be challenging, but is achievable, a review…

Finalists named for Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

Three farmers making contributions to the wider dairy sector have been chosen as this year’s finalists for the prestigious Fonterra…

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…