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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.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the activist group's latest publicity stunt.
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's move to put the brakes on local authorities to do any more work on planning changes ahead of major changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
