Food supply relies on govt support for rural sector
Animal and Plant Health NZ chief executive Mark Ross says the Government needs to step up efforts to support the rural sector so that all Kiwis can access safe, healthy and affordable food.
Mark Ross has started in his new role as chief executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA).
He was previously the chief executive of Animal and Plant Health NZ (formerly Agcarm), a position he held for eight years.
The WPMA represents over 65 companies involved in the wider wood products industry, with a vision where wood processing and manufacturing is core to New Zealand’s economic growth, regional development, and environmental protection.
Ross has a strong passion for primary industries and natural environment, having worked within the wider agricultural, horticultural, and forestry industries throughout his career.
He says he has a great understanding of the machinery of government, strong leadership ability, as well as advocacy and policy development.
“With my experience working across the primary industries, I am well versed in the forestry and wood processing sectors,” says Ross. “Specifically, in my earlier career at the Ministry of Forestry (prior to becoming MPI), where I worked in forestry import and export quarantine, forest health and biosecurity incursions, such as the aerial operation to successfully eradicate the white-spotted tussock moth from Auckland.
“The recent announcement by the government of the $57 million wood processing growth fund and the launch of the Forestry and Wood Processing Transformation Plan makes it an exciting time for me to join the WPMA,” he says.
“It is essential that as a country we hasten the development of our domestic wood processing and manufacturing sector,” he says.
“This will be progressed through creating and selling our wood product story, plus working closely with government and the wider industry to encourage greater support, innovation, and investment.”
A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.