Farmers in mood to spend as farmgate prices rise
Don't be surprised if there is a bit more spending at the Central Districts Field Days this year.
A big shakeup in the honey sector is about to take place with the news that the industry good body, ApiNZ, and the export focused Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association are looking to merge to form a new industry body.
The chair of ApiNZ, Nathan Guy told Rural News that his organisation is no longer financially sustainable because its funding model is based on a voluntary membership. He says as honey returns have dropped so has the membership income that’s meant that the board of ApiNZ have made to make some hard decisions.
“These include reducing staff, relinquishing the office in Wellington and sharing desk with other organisation around the city while still maintaining a real focus on its strategy. A key pillar of this is about creating a united industry which is why we believe it is important to merge with UMFHA and create a new organisation,” he says
Guy says the new organisation will still have a voice for beekeepers on such things as bee health and advocacy to government but by joining up with UMFHA will have a strong export focus. He says the merger makes common sense and the leadership in both organisations can see the value in it – especially have a financially viable entity that will be able to deliver on the industry strategy which is to double the value of honey exports by 2030.
The industry has had a rollercoaster ride over many years with fluctuating prices and some honey simply unsold.
Members of both organisations are now being consulted on the proposal and the intention is to have the new entity in place by April 2025. In the meantime a whole range of issues relating to the proposed merger including membership and governance structure.
Sitting Beef + Lamb NZ farmer director Scott Gower has been voted out by farmers.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) says it will be working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) as they attempt to improve access to veterinary medicines.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2025, taking place April 7-9 in Timaru.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
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