Reliable irrigation crucial to hort sector
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
A NEW FUNDING agreement will investigate the viability of the Hunter Downs irrigation scheme for up to 40,000ha in South Canterbury, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
The Government's Irrigation Acceleration Fund will provide $7 million over two years to co-fund technical investigations and design work to determine if an irrigation scheme is viable, both from a technical and economic perspective.
This will be matched by funds from shareholder equity and the scheme's partner, Meridian Energy, says Guy.
'If the scheme proves to be viable it has the potential to increase income in the Waimate and Timaru districts by $830 million per annum and create 1,800 jobs," he says.
'It would also provide long term security for agriculture in these districts and provide landowners with greater confidence around production and investment decisions.
The irrigation infrastructure also has the potential to benefit the nationally significant wetland, Wainono lagoon, according to Guy.
A consequence of the scheme will be extra flows of water into the lagoon that will achieve better water quality outcomes, he says.
If viable, the scheme will draw water from the Lower Waitaki River and depending on the outcome of the investigation, construction could begin late 2016 and be completed by the end of 2019.
Hunter Downs Development Company is a joint venture between Hunter Downs Irrigation Ltd and Meridian. Initial development costs were met by Meridian Energy.
Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.
Hawke's Bay teenage entrepreneur Hugo Moffett is helping the rural community access cheaper school uniforms, all without leaving their homes.
As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.
There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.
Massey University has begun trialling the use of superior beef genetics in its two dairy farms as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's dairy beef progeny test.
The annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival – a fusion of books and storytelling - celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.