Less Wellington in the way of farming
OPINION: For many farmers, the biggest regulatory challenge they face is the myriad things that the Resource Management Act throws up.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of a strong biosecurity system.
He says staff at the border are increasingly vigilant following confirmation from German authorities of the country’s first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years on Friday in a herd of water buffalo outside Berlin.
“New Zealand recognises the European Union’s protocols to manage FMD are in line with international standards and equivalent to New Zealand’s,” Hoggard says.
He says German authorities have notified the World Organisation for Animal Health and have implemented appropriate measures to manage the risks, including a restricted zone for animals and animal products as well as biosecurity measures, movement controls, the destruction of affected animals and products, disinfection, and surveillance.
“This is why we take biosecurity very seriously here in New Zealand,” Hoggard says.
This summer has proven a busy one for Biosecurity New Zealand staff.
In December, a single case of high pathogenicity avian influenza on an Otago poultry farm led to decontamination efforts which are still continuing.
This month has seen the discovery of a fruit fly in South Auckland where biosecurity controls remain in place.
“It’s a good reminder for all New Zealanders about how vital biosecurity is to us,” Hoggard says. “Incursions of pests and diseases don’t take a break and that’s why our biosecurity system doesn’t sleep.”
At this stage there are no concerns regarding products imported into New Zealand from Germany.
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
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