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.
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has given farmers in the Tararua District a boost as they rebuild following recent storms.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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