Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
The rise and rise of horticulture is prompting MPI to reconfigure its operations.
Chief executive Ray Smith says with the sector planning to go from a $6 billion industry to a $10b industry there are things MPI needs to do.
The first is on biosecurity.
“For the nearly one million containers that come into New Zealand and the parcels coming into the mail centre and the tourists -- we have to do everything we can to stop pests and diseases getting in.
“And if they do get in [we must] act quickly and with the industry.”
Smith told Rural News he’s impressed with how MPI has worked with the industry to contain the recent fruit fly problem. That’s an example of working together and there is a need to strengthen those bonds.
“But there are other issues for an industry that is growing such as labour supply and skills. I think of young NZers who haven’t grown up, as many of us have, with a real connection to the agricultural or horticultural sector so we have to teach them about that.
“We are looking about how we get into secondary schools to get people excited about our primary industries and the job opportunities there.”
And it’s not just training and labour supply, it’s also robotics, says Smith. He’s talked to people part way through designing robotic machines which could help alleviate some of the labour supply problems.
“They want us to back them to develop their products and I would like to do that,” he said.
Smith notes MPI’s massive regulatory role, the ‘bottom line’ keeping our system intact.
But he says the top line is to “see the industries grow” and for MPI to partner with them to find ways to support them.
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.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.