Plant-based bubble bursts
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird Ventures, and its products are no longer available in supermarkets.
OPINION: A battle for the dwindling pool of farm workers is brewing between NZ and our Aussie 'mates'.
As peak lambing and calving seasons approach, farmers from across the ditch are aiming to poach our workers - with the official backing of their Government.
To subsidise the plundering of workers, the Australian Government is offering up to AU$2,000 in relocation assistance to Kiwi workers ad those with valid work visas to move across the ditch and work on farms in regional areas. In Victoria, this payment rises with a AU$2,430 bonus for eight weeks of work. Southland Federated Farmers sharemilker chairman Jason Herrick said these incentives, coupled with quicker pathways to family reunification were causing immigrant farmworkers to depart for either Australia or Canada.
Just what our labour constrained economy needs. Thanks cobbers!
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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.