Sunday, 17 April 2016 18:08

25 new projects for SFF

Written by 
$6.9 million will be invested over three years in to 25 new projects through the Sustainable Farming Fund. $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."

More like this

Controls lifted at poultry farm

Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Farmers struggle with water and feed shortages

The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.

East Coast Expo delivers two action-packed days of events

The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Featured

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Editorial: Forest for the trees?

OPINION: Most people will be aware of the Government's plans to boost coal, oil and gas production to meet energy requirements.

Protest planned outside dairy awards venue

As the dairy industry prepares to celebrate its top achievers at an awards night this Saturday, attendees are being warned to be aware of protests planned outside the venue – Baypark Arena, Mount Mauganaui.

National

Machinery & Products

Iconic TPW Woolpress turns 50!

The company behind the iconic TPW Woolpress, which fundamentally changed the way wool is baled in Australia and New Zealand,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Keep it up

OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…

We're OK!

OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter