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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: 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.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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