Tuesday, 15 September 2015 07:00

Food for thought

Written by 

The Hound reckons the Greenies and tree huggers are not going to be too happy about recent reports that indicate organic produce is not necessarily better for the environment.

One study shows there is little doubt that synthetic pesticides and fertilisers can have negative impacts on the environment, from potentially endangering pollinators to polluting natural waterways. However, it also found that many organic farmers, especially the large ones, don’t skip pesticides and fertilisers – they just use natural options which are hardly risk-free. Meanwhile, another study has found that organic farming can release even more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than conventional farming. 

More like this

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of 125% on the US, up from the 84% announced earlier.

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

No more pines!

Forests planted for carbon credits are permanently locking up NZ’s landscapes, and could land us with more carbon costs, says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE).

Group hug!

OPINION: Forest & Bird and farmers don't often find themselves on the same side of an issue, with F&G's litigious tendencies often pitting the two groups against each other.

Central Otago Organics

Having 30% of Central Otago's vineyard area certified organic is "a true testament to the passion and dedication of growers", says Carolyn Murray, General Manager of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter