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: While authorities in New Zealand take their time to decide if a feed supplement promising to slash a cow's methane output should enter the New Zealand market, other countries are giving the green light to farmers to use it.
Research has found Bovaer can reduce a cow's methane output by 30% in non-pasture cattle. Fonterra also announced it would team up with DSM to trial the product in early 2021.
While officials blame Covid and the high number of other applications for the delay, politicians are pointing out that the waiting is costing the industry.
Bovaer has now been cleared in more than 45 countries, with Paraguay the most recent. Bovaer, developed by Dutch animal health firm DSM, first applied in February 2021 for Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approval in NZ. DSM is no doubt hoping that a positive ruling is imminent.
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.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.