Potato growers eye innovation, growth
OPINION: As we look back on the past year, I am proud to reflect on the remarkable progress and achievements that have defined our success.
The decision to keep the potato mop top virus in New Zealand may be better for the industry.
“The cure must not kill the patient,” says Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge.
That thinking underlies the decision to manage the potato mop top virus (PMTV), confirmed in NZ in September, rather than attempt to eradicate it. “We are working with MPI and just going into the transition into long-term management,” Claridge told Rural News.
“While we don’t believe it is technically feasible to eradicate it, it might well be possible to contain it. But this is a pragmatic move: the difficulties associated with eradication were too high….
“The international advice we had was we couldn’t do it and also there would be too much disruption to the industry if we went down the eradication path. The cure must not kill the patient.”
The disease was found in Canterbury in the Innovator variety which is only used for potato chips. That variety was last imported as germplasm into NZ in July 2011. Affected potatoes can display symptoms including distortions of the skin, deep cracking and rust-coloured arcs, streaks or flecks in the tuber flesh.
MPI says the disease is endemic to North America and Europe where it is generally managed effectively without causing major production losses.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.