Leaders’ forum for young horticulturalists
Eight competitors from the Young Horticulturist of the Year met recently for a Young Leaders' Forum.
Rotorua is set to host a unique forum this year on the innovative and commercial uses of New Zealand flax (Maori name; harakeke)
The forum aims to bring together people interested in the commercial potential of harakeke.
Commercial use of harakeke is not new in New Zealand; in fact, flax mills were in operation as early as the 1860s, with the last mill closing in 1985.
However, Sarah Heine, CEO of the Biopolymer Network, says that the aim of the forum is to cover the extensive work done on this plant over the last decade.
The forum will cover topics including species selection, plantations, industrial processing, muka (traditional fibre preparation) innovation, composites, natural skincare and other uses.
"This motivating forum will provide a platform for those seeking to commercialise an idea, concept or existing product and to allow discussion facilitated by Callaghan Innovation on the potential of harakeke and its future direction," says Heine.
The event is to be held on Friday, 20 February 2015 and is open to the public. Heine particularly encourages small business developers, researchers, scientists, natural skincare companies and anyone interested in the commercial opportunities of harakeke within New Zealand to come along.
People wanting to find out more about the NZ Flax (Harakeke) Forum and to register can go to:
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.