increase font size
Leaders in the science, education and agriculture sector met to progress plans for the Waikato Agricultural Research Hub.
Representatives from a range of Crown Research Institutes, universities and the agricultural sector met with Hamilton City Mayor, Julie Hardaker, to discuss the challenges that the country and the region face in the future development of agriculture.
'Ensuring we have both clean water and productive land is a particular innovation challenge that we are up for and ideally positioned to address in the Waikato,' says Dr Bryce Cooper, general manager strategy for NIWA.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Roy Crawford says the University of Waikato welcomes the initiative. "We are well placed to add social, environmental and economic value to the region."
Currently 70% of New Zealand export goods by value are primary products. Over the last 8 years most of the country's export growth has come from primary products. For the country to stay competitive in a global economy the government has identified the need for New Zealand to double the value of our exports to $64 billion.
Michael Spaans, CEO of Innovation Waikato comments that "The mix of educational, scientific and commercial capability in Hamilton and the Waikato will deliver increased agricultural productivity. We want to add value from farming, product design and supply chains and, crucially, better, more sustainable farming systems."
The parties agreed that Waikato was in a unique position to contribute to research, innovation and education to achieve achieving the government's goals for growth in export earnings and better environmental performance.
"Driving the doubling of exports through strong regional clusters is a core strategy for AgResearch. As the country's largest Crown Research Institute we've got a key role to play in supporting the national aims. Agriculture is critical to Waikato's economy, and having a strong regional innovation cluster here will help us deliver the science needed to create growth." Dr Tom Richardson, AgResearch chief executive.
The parties worked on a concept document, outlining a vision and operating regime for the Waikato Agricultural Hub, with the parties meeting again in a month to finalise the document.
John Luxton, chairman of DairyNZ says "It is really important that various stakeholders, including our community, government and commercial organisations, are able to see the prize from this concept, and we look forward to discussions and feedback in the near future."
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
Waikato Federated Farmers dairy chair Matthew Zonderop says two consecutive years of a $10 milk price is fantastic for New Zealand agriculture.
Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…
