NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
Restrictions in an Auckland suburb where one Queensland fruit fly was found may be lifted this weekend after no more have been found.
The Ministry for Primary Industries expects to review the controlled area notice and current fruit movement restrictions this week. The earliest these restrictions will be lifted is Saturday, May 26.
Meanwhile work continues in MPI's response to the finding of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in Avondale on May 8.
Since that detection, MPI has run an intensive surveillance programme of trapping and fruit inspection to find if a population of the fruit fly is present in the area.
Work underway includes clearing fruit fly traps placed in fruiting trees and inspections of fruit from the area.
To date there have been no further detections of the fruit fly and no adverse reactions from trading partners.
MPI continues to be grateful for community support for the work underway, particularly in complying with requests to avoid moving fruit and vegetables from the controlled area around where the initial fruit fly was found.
Full information about the Queensland fruit fly is on the MPI website at: www.mpi.govt.nz and follow the fruit fly button.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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