Processors, executives fined for exporting adulterated tallow
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
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."
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
More than 70 farmers from across the North and South Islands recently spent a dayand- a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank Ag Pathways Programmes held in Invercargill, Ashburton and Hawera.
Government ministers cannot miss the ‘SOS’ – save our sheep call - from New Zealand farmers.
A tax advisory specialist is hailing a 20% tax deduction to spur business asset purchases as a golden opportunity for agribusiness.
Sheep and beef farmers have voted to approve Beef + Lamb New Zealand signing an operational agreement between the agricultural sector and the Government on foot and mouth disease readiness and response.
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