NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
The 2017/18 funding round for MPI's Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) opens today.
"We welcome any groups keen to tackle a shared problem or develop a new opportunity related to the primary industries to apply for the fund," says investment programmes director Justine Gilliland.
"SFF supports farmers and researchers involved at grass-roots level and each year we receive a very high calibre of project applications."
A total of up to $7 million is available this funding round to successful applicants for their projects starting from 1 July 2017.
"We encourage anyone who is interested in applying to contact an MPI investment adviser to discuss their ideas as soon as possible."
Applications close on September 8, 2016. Feedback will be given on ideas and draft applications until August 18, 2016 at which point no further assistance can be given.
Over the past 16 years SFF has invested over $125 million in projects benefiting New Zealand's primary industries.
The funding investment by MPI in each project is supplemented by significant cash co-funding and in-kind support by industry, community groups and individuals.
SFF can fund up to 80% of a project.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.
AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.1 million in Australian company Rumin8 to accelerate development of its methane-reducing products for cattle and bring them to New Zealand.
Farmers want more direct, accurate information about both fuel and fertiliser supply.
A bull on a freight plane sounds like the start of a joke, but for Ian Bryant, it is a fond memory of days gone by.

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