Science system shakeup ‘to maximise investment value’
Reaction to the Government’s major overhaul of the country’s seven crown research organisations has so far been largely positive.
Plant & Food Research is asking growers and beekeepers to share their current practices and their thoughts on future pollination requirements.
The organisation wants to better understand current use of pollination across the horticultural and agricultural sectors and help design research projects that address industry trends and needs.
"New research into pollination relies on having a full picture of how growers and beekeepers are using bees and other methods for pollinating crops, as well as what they feel are the major issues that need addressing in the future," says Dr David Pattemore.
"Current research tends to be based on overseas findings and anecdotal evidence, but there is little scientific evidence to allow scientists to develop research programmes designed to fill gaps in knowledge or directly address issues identified by growers and apiarists as fundamental to their needs."
Growers, farmers and beekeepers from across Australia and New Zealand are asked to fill in the online questionnaire at www.pollinationsurvey.com
"We know that pollination services are becoming more expensive due to the effort required to manage beehives in the wake of diseases such as varroa and colony collapse disorder, and that growers employ a variety of methods that may promote pollination by wild bees and other insects," says Dr Brad Howlett.
"By understanding what methods are currently employed in different crops and regions, we will have a better understanding of how pollination is used now, the barriers for ensuring optimal pollination, and how we can best tailor our research programme to make sure growers, and apiarists, are getting what they need to sustain their businesses."
The pollination survey is part of the European Union's SUPER-B programme and is administered, under strict confidentiality, by the University of Reading in the UK, with additional funding in New Zealand from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. SUPER-B is bringing together scientific and societal communities from more than 30 countries across Europe and the globe to develop conservation strategies for crop pollinators.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…