New Zealand and Ireland Extend $34.5m Climate Research Partnership for Agriculture
Ireland and NZ have concluded a deal to extend a joint research programme on climate change.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the fund was established last year to boost wellbeing programmes that support the rural sector.
"These initiatives will ensure farmers and growers have the support they need to thrive,” McClay says.
Meanwhile, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government is committed to delivering faster access to mental health support, including for the one in five people living in rural communities.
“We’ve focused on supporting proposals that can have the greatest impact on the ground, as well as new initiatives targeting gaps,” Doocey says.
“Partnering with grassroots organisations enables the Government funding to go further and make a real difference.”
As part of the funding boost, Farmstrong Charitable Trust will receive $399,250; Surfing for Farmers Charitable Trust receives $160,000, and The NZ Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Incorporated receives $585,000
The Ministry for Primary Industries and Health New Zealand each allocated $2 million over four years for the fund through Budget 2025.
OPINION: After two long years of hardship, things are looking up for New Zealand red meat farmers.
A casualty of the storm that hit the Bay of Plenty recently was the cancelation of a field day at a leading Māori kiwifruit orchard at Te Puke.
Michael Wentworth has joined the team at Mission Estate Winery, filling the "big shoes" of former Chief Executive Peter Holley, who resigned in September last year, after almost 30 years running the storied Napier venue.
Some arable farmers are getting out of arable and converting to dairy in the faced of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices on top of a very poor growing season.
The New Zealand seed industry has reached a significant milestone with the completion and approval of the new seed certification system.
New Zealand's persimmon season will kick off early this year, with fruit set to hit shelves soon.

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