Honey sector strategy aiming for sweet spot
While confident that the apiculture sector can meet its target of doubling honey exports by 2030, chair of ApicultureNZ, Nathan Guy, says it will be challenging.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says dealing with silt on dairy farms around Edgecumbe is going to be a big problem.
Guy visited the region recently and flew over some of the worst hit areas.
He says while pastures near Edgecumbe itself appeared to be under water, further out at places such as Taneatua silting is a problem.
“We need to get some experts into the region who have been through floods before and know how to handle re-grassing on silt because there are all sorts of different theories out there as to what is the best way to deal with this. These include ploughing it back in, waiting for it to dry, direct drilling, and roller drilling -- putting on fertiliser with grass seed. All need to be considered.”
The Government classified the flooding from ex-Cyclone Debbie as a medium-scale adverse event. This declaration provides for extra recovery assistance including recovery coordination, increased support through Enhanced Task Force Green teams and the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust, and tax flexibility
Guy says he’s impressed with how farmers and rural organisations have worked together to deal with the problems of the flooding.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.