increase font size
Beekeepers need to endorse a proposal to combine two organisations into a single and effective industry body, says O'Connor.
Beekeepers need to endorse a proposal to combine two organisations into a single and effective industry body.
So says Labour's Primary Industry spokesperson Damien O'Connor says.
"The introduction of the varroa mite exposed disunity across this important industry," says O'Connor.
"As a result, the last Labour government developed an industry agreement concept to provide better coordination in the event of a biosecurity incursion.
"While the processes around biosecurity response have been improved, the beekeeping industry is yet to take the sensible step of being united into one single industry body.
"I applaud the work of the Federated Farmers and the National Beekeepers Association president Ricki Leahy who put together this proposal to ensure better advocacy for the industry.
"I urge all those beekeepers yet to cast their vote to support unity before the ballot closes this Friday.
"Then all government agencies will be able to deal with bee industry issues efficiently and effectively."
A rare weather double-whammy has seen many South Island farmers having to deal with unseasonal snow while still cut off from power supplies after an unprecedented windstorm.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.
