Farming families and communities keen to do the right thing on water should not lose hope and confidence in the consultation process, says a Canterbury dairy farmer and industry leader.

Globalisation is the only way to feed 9.6 billion people by 2050 with a healthy diet on a healthy planet, says a global food expert.

A landmark report reveals that without crop protection products, New Zealand’s economy would lose $7.5 to $11.4 billion.

A major research initiative in horticulture is underway in Bay of Plenty with the formation of the PlantTech Research Institute at Tauranga.

Consumers’ demands are driving the way Ohakune commercial vegetable growers Bruce and Stephanie Rollinson produce and package their Brussel sprouts and parsnips.

Craigmore Sustainables will invest $38 million to convert 137ha of established dairy farm at Kerikeri into a kiwifruit orchard.

New Zealand and Australia have done “wonderful work” in their produce industries. 

But after it leaves the farm or orchard it can get into the “messy middle”, says Gary Loh, a Singapore blockchain entrepreneur.

Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says the two-week extension for submitting on the freshwater discussion document is a start.