NZ growers lead freshwater compliance
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the announcement of the progress made in funding for the Ruataniwha Dam project in Hawke's Bay.
The horticulture industry is reliant on sensible management of freshwater in New Zealand and the provision of water for future generations of primary sector business is essential, says HortNZ.
"This will see the number of growers increase, and this in turn will improve the sustainability of the proposal," HortNZ natural resources and environment manager Chris Keenan says.
HortNZ is increasingly concerned about the space available for vegetable production in New Zealand, given the significant pressure from urban expansion in other key growing areas such as Pukekohe, Tasman and Horowhenua.
"While production in the Central Hawkes Bay cannot replace Pukekohe production, it does add to the security of food supply for New Zealanders," Chris says.
And it is good to see that fruitgrowing is in the mix of the contracts signed.
"Fruit production is incredibly high value, and has a small nitrogen and sediment footprint.
"This is great for jobs and community wellbeing in the Bay."
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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