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THE NEW ZEALAND bee industry as we knew it 10 years ago is not what we see today, says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers bee chairperson.
Growth in hive numbers is unprecedented and there are hundreds of new entrants, he says.
"As of April 2014, managed bee hive colonies surpassed the 500,000 mark in New Zealand, with over 4000 registered bee keepers," Hartnell says.
There's a substantial lift in honey prices, a move to Manuka tree farming of high DHA (dihydroxyacetone) yield plant stock and with it more challenges to market access, increased levels of honey testing, changing food labelling laws, a proposed change to biosecurity management and the downstream effects that will bring, to name a few, he says.
The Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group will be joining with the National Beekeepers Association for the first time this year to host a New Zealand Apiculture Industry Conference in Wanganui.
"The theme of this conference is "Working Together" with a critical focus on advancing our fast growing and vital industry that is pivotal to New Zealand's economy, with an estimated annual contribution of $5 billion a year," says Hartnell.
"The industry bridges and relies on both agriculture and horticulture, providing crucial pollination services, so it is important that we establish a future focussed industry structure and work in a unified manner to deliver positive outcomes.
"This conference will be a vital opportunity for all involved to come together on the challenges and triumphs within the industry, break the mould of yesterday and forge a solid foundation for the future, which will ensure that the political framework of our country understands and supports our industry going forward.
"Only as a united and strong industry will the future of beekeeping in New Zealand achieve its maximum potential," he says.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
Farmer lobby group Federated Farmers has announced it is supporting a new Member’s Bill which it says could bring clarity to New Zealand farmers and save millions in legal costs.
Federated Farmers says climate protest group Greenpeace is manufacturing outrage and attempting to scare New Zealanders with headlines that have no basis in science.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
