increase font size
Europe is trying to rein in milk production by its 52,000 dairy farmers by paying them to not produce milk.
Farmers have rushed to get the cash ‘carrot’ -- 150 million euro (NZ$233 million). Agricultural commissioner Phil Hogan predicts this will cause production to fall at least 2% by late 2016, after four years of continuous increase.
It’s a last resort, said an EU official, after an earlier attempt to rein in the farmers failed. Each farmer who applies will milk 20 tonnes less (average) and will get 2800 euros (NZ$4363) compensation.
As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
It's time to start talking up science again, especially as a career for young people. That's one of the key messages from the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, Dr John Roche.
Horticulture and commercial vegetable growers in particular stand to be major beneficiaries of radical proposals by government to make sweeping changes to RMA regulations.
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
OPINION: Last week, Greenpeace lit up Fonterra's Auckland headquarters with 'messages from the common people' - that the sector is…
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard…
