Living on an organic island
Running an organic dairy farm is a bit like living on an island where one has to be completely self-sufficient.
Soil & Health and BioGro have joined forces to promote "clean, green organic solutions" for food production.
The Soil & Health Association and BioGro Society (owner of the BioGro organic certification company) are discussing a merger, following the approval by both memberships in July 2015 to explore a variety of options.
"New Zealand needs live up to our clean, green image. We urgently need to shift towards high-value, safe, sustainable, GE-free organic farming, for the sake of our health, economy and environment," says Marion Thomson, co-chair of Soil & Health.
Gaz Ingram, chair of BioGro Society, says there is a big future for organics in New Zealand. "With changing weather patterns, we need robust and sustainable ways of producing food and fibre," says Ingram.
A working party, which includes members from Soil & Health's national council and BioGro Society's board, is developing a strategic direction that will see a refreshed and united organisation.
A plan will go out to all members around March 2016. Members will vote at the AGMs of both organisations in July 2016.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.