Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
That old saying about peanuts and monkeys may be turned on its head in Northland, where a government-backed project has proven that the crop can be grown successfully in the region.
An initial feasibility study claimed that the industry could be worth millions to the region, with New Zealand companies importing tonnes of peanuts every year.
Now, additional government funding aims to take the project towards the possible commercialistion of growing peanuts in the north.
MPI is contributing nearly $700,000 to a new peanut growing trial via its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures). Meanwhile, an additional $300,000 in cash and in-kind support is coming from Northland Inc, Picot Productions, Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and local Northland landowners.
"The findings of a six month feasibility study supported through SFF Futures late last year were encouraging," says Steve Penno, MPI director of investment programmes. "This new project will build upon the initial findings to determine whether its financially viable to plant, harvet, and process peanuts at scale."
Northland Inc is taking the lead in the new project, which will run for 2 years.
"The peanuts will be grown at seven sites in Northland, across both the Kaipara and Far North districts, during the two-year life of the project," says Vaughan Cooper, general manager Investment & Infrastructure at Northland Inc.
"We hope for another successful outcome that will provide conclusive evidence that peanuts can be grown and harvested on a larger scale. This will give investors and Northland landowners, growers and farmers the confidence they need to diversify into peanut growing."
Cooper says while it's clear that returns are possible from peanuts, they also need to factor in the commercial equipment required for harvesting and drying.
"We'll be doing extensive economic modelling to determine whether the costs are worthwhile when producing peanuts at scale."
Penno says establishing a peanut industry in Northland would help diversify its regional economy, create employment both on-and-off farm, and support investment opportunities.
"It will also provide another crop rotation option for local landowners," he says. "Plus, we could eventually bring a 100% New Zealand grown and manufactured peanut butter to market. That's an exciting prospect."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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