Spuds losing ground to housing
Potato growers are losing prime land to urban sprawl, with over 3000ha lost since 2016.
Potatoes New Zealand has announced the resignation of its chief executive, Chris Claridge.
Claridge has been in the role for a total of seven years, since 2015.
In his time with the industry association, Claridge brought numerous operational and technical services in-house, and ushered in a shift towards spending levy money on research and development.
In a statement released last night, the Potatoes New Zealand board said they appreciated the achievements of the organisation under Claridge’s leadership and wished him well in his next endeavours.
While Claridge has not announced any future plans, he will stay on as chief executive until the end of April.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.

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