Science Snippet: Cryopreservation Protects Grapevines at Lincoln University
A Lincoln University research fellow is working to safeguard grapevine species from extinction, using careful science and liquid nitrogen.
Horticulture New Zealand has increased the number of places it offers on its highly regarded industry Leadership Programme this year.
The programme runs a selection process every year and 12 people from throughout the commercial fruit and vegetable growing industry are accepted. This year HortNZ is providing six more places, taking the total number of place up to 18.
The programme is in its 15th year and has had more than 180 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take significant roles in the horticulture world, either in their own businesses, with their employer's business or in wider aspects of industry leadership.
"The fruit and vegetable industry has bold goals for growth and our businesses have ambitious growth targets which require strong leadership," HortNZ senior business manager Sue Pickering says.
"Our members and affiliates are recognising this and are looking increasingly towards the HortNZ leadership programme to help develop our emerging leaders."
The HortNZ Leadership Programme is run in conjunction with Lincoln University. Applications for this year's programme close on May 31.
For more information, visit http://www.hortnz.co.nz/our-work/people/leadership-programme-information/
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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