'Living labs' to tackle emissions
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
Federated Farmers applauds the AgResearch team for a global breakthrough on hypoallergenic milk, which could add value to new milk based exports, so long as it clears regulatory and safety approvals.
"This could be a major technological advance. Five to seven of the 252 children born every minute have milk allergies or intolerance," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.
"AgResearch's development has been received positively in the international media as a technological breakthrough.
Leferink says it's early days and products, if they prove possible, will take years before they are on a doctor's prescription or a supermarket shelf.
"Before it can be considered for commercialisation, hypoallergenic milk will require a lot more study and regulatory approval to ensure it is not only safe, but works.
"We also need to consider how it will sit alongside current milk production.
"Bearing in mind we are looking years into the future, I believe a product like this could be produced and processed separate from other milk. We do this now with organic milk in order to maintain its integrity.
"So assuming this does become possible, keeping things separate from conventional and organic milk and backed by clear labelling, provides choice for farmer and consumer alike.
"I believe should be looking to realise the value of this intellectual property for New Zealand and that means keeping this technology here.
"If we can meet these challenges, we should be willing to embrace new technology where there is benefit medically and economically.
"This breakthrough marries agriculture to biotechnology in a smart science led green economy. There is a lot of work to be done and hurdles to be jumped but the scientists involved deserve recognition as world-beaters," Leferink says.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…