Cows down
OPINION: It's not happening as fast as the greenies would like - they actually want all livestock other than Muscovy ducks and Tibetan Llamas to disappear entirely - but it is happening.
Vegetable supplies look good as New Zealand approaches the winter season but ongoing unsettled weather could still be the wild card.
That’s according to Vegetables New Zealand chair John Murphy.
“The weather’s been warm and wet as we head into winter when growing slows down,” he says in response to the release of the April 2023 food price index.
The index, released today by Stats NZ, reported a 12.5% annual increase in food prices.
The prices of fruit and vegetables rose 22.5%, an increase Stats NZ says is largely driven by tomatoes, avocados and potatoes.
“We have large and small vegetable growers spread across New Zealand,” says Murphy.
He says that this helps the industry ensure a continuity of supply, something he says is important if a severe weather event occurs in one area, setting it back three to four months.
“Last winter, we advised consumers to buy in season and that’s the advice we’re giving again as we move into the colder and darker months.
“We’d also like to encourage consumers to continue to support their country’s vegetable industry,” he says. “Our industry provides jobs for thousands of New Zealanders, in regions up and down the country, while at the same time providing kiwis with fresh, healthy, great tasting food.”
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
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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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