MPI Hails Kiwifruit Boom as Horticulture Revenue Surges Past $9 Billion
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
OPINION: MPI employs more than 3,600 staff in 45 locations around the country and internationally.
It also has a total budget of $1.1 billion for the 2023/24 year.
So, it's comforting to know that this agricultural powerhouse really knows its stuff.
A mate of your truly was tickled pink to read the following information in its advice to an update in the food regulations.
In its discussion on proposed changes to The Animal Products Notice: Production and Supply Processing, MPI advised that: "Notice Reference Proposed amendment: Type of change: Reason for amendment 2 (3). Create a separate goat animal code: Update Goats are not sheep. They are different mammals."
Isn't it comforting to know that the more than $1 billion spent a year on funding MPI is not wasted and that it recognises that 'goats aren't sheep', but in fact are 'different mammals'?
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…
OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.