Begging Bowl
OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can also force another U-turn from the Government.
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has received $212,500 from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund, to go towards developing a three-year organic sector strategy.
The project was costed at $376k and OANZ says that MPI’s contribution is extremely welcome.
“The sector’s collective buy-in, along with MPI’s funding for this strategy is instrumental in advancing the sector,” says OANZ chief executive Viv Williams.
“The strategy will look at how the organic sector can on one hand increase consumer demand, and on the other increase the share of organic produce, products and supporting the organic sector ecosystem that makes up the economy.”
Through its strategy, OANZ says it intends to identify shared challenges and opportunities; strengthen the evidence base for action; find consensus upon a vision for the sector; and set out actions for the sector’s transformation and growth within its domestic and international contexts.
“It is crucial for the sector to be able to bring forward issues and ideas to government that are grounded in the realities of the sector.
MPI investment programmes director Steve Penno says OANZ represents the majority of the organic sector and is well-placed to deliver this work.
“An organic strategy will act as an important tool to unify the sector and enable it to respond collectively to challenges and opportunities,” he says.
The New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit, E Tipu 2026, is the place for farmers who want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing sector, says FoodHQ chief executive Dr Victoria Hatton.
OPINION: For some of us the threat of a fuel crisis is something we have dealt with before and are still here to tell the tale.
New Zealanders are spontaneously joining in the 60th birthday celebrations of the nation’s iconic rural programme, Country Calendar.
Fonterra is rejecting New Zealand First's claim that outgoing chief executive Miles Hurrell is in line for a 'golden handshake'.
Strong wool is now being used as a pigment in screen printing for a new clothing range.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley says McCains plans to close its Hastings vegetable processing factory is a "tough pill to swallow" for the Hawke's Bay region.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…