Gene Bill rumours
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of GM.
OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can also force another U-turn from the Government.
Organics Aotearoa NZ (OANZ), which is spearheading opposition to the Bill, has the begging bowl out, seeking cash from the community to kill the legislation, which has the backing of all coalition partners in Government.
OANZ is against environmental release of genetically engineered organisms in the country.
"Together we helped stall the Bill, mobilised thousands of submissions, and pushed this debate into the national spotlight. But stalled is not stopped!" it told supporters.
"Regulatory decisions in this election year will shape the future of food and fibre in New Zealand. So, our advocacy continues, but it depends on sustained backing."
Oamaru-based livestock handling specialist Te Pari has bought Combi Clamp, the New Zealand manufacturer of Combi Clamp manual sheep handlers.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.
A new app designed in New Zealand aims to help sheep, beef and deer farmers capture, analyse and use body condition score data more effectively.
Canterbury farmer Andy Macfarlane has been appointed to the board of AgriZeroNZ, the public-private partnership designed to accelerate the development and deployment of emissions reduction tools for New Zealand farmers.
For over 50 years Mel Ewers has been supporting the apple sector navigate through compliance and quality assurance issues.
The apple sector is enjoying a bumper harvest season.