NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
$6.9 million will be invested over three years in to 25 new projects through the Sustainable Farming Fund.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced a $6.9 million investment over three years in to 25 new projects through the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).
Some of the problems or opportunities being looked in to:
• Optimising pollination of Gold3 kiwifruit under hail netting;
• Resource development for new entrant deer farmers;
• Reducing use of antimicrobials when managing mastitis;
• Understanding and managing grain storage pests;
• Increasing the market share for New Zealand olive oil.
The SFF supports farmers and researchers involved at grass-roots level to tackle shared problems or to develop new opportunities says MPI Director General, Martyn Dunne.
"Every year we receive a very high calibre of project applications, and this year was no different. This year's projects cover nine primary sectors including horticulture, forestry, dairy and meat.
"Each project has a number of milestones to reach over the three years. As milestones are reached, information is shared among the community who benefits from the project. Through the fund, we are able to support industries and communities to help each other carry out applied research and field trials.
"Our investment programmes team supports each project through their milestones and each year we are pleased by the quality of projects, and the results they produce."
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.
The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.
Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.

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