OPINION: The Public Service in New Zealand between 2017 and 2023 grew rapidly from 48,000 to over 64,000, and this does not include the use of consultants.

Every year, the New Zealand Winegrowers biosecurity team is sent an increasing number of images from members of suspected grapevine pest insects and disease symptoms, evidence that a high level of biosecurity awareness is building amongst the industry.

Most vineyards require irrigation at some point. Deciding when and how much is required is a powerful management tool that directly affects fruit production, disease pressure, and even operational passes.

OPINION: I was away up north over the big weekend a few weeks back.

Fonterra will shortly be introducing a Scope 3 emissions target, which will seek to reduce emissions intensity on supplying farms.

Di-ammonium phosphate is frequently added to grape juice at the start of fermentation to ensure yeast have adequate nitrogen to complete fermentation.

NZ Landcare Trust has been awarded the Toitū net carbonzero certification in line with ISO 14064-1.

Fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown recently received a delivery of low-carbon urea - a major step to lower its environmental footprint.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and nitrogen fertiliser has long been critical to maintaining the high productivity of grazed pasture systems in New Zealand.

This should be the decade to focus on sediment loss to reduce its impact on the wider environment.