Agriculture News & Articles
Associate Minister Visits Silver Fern Farms to Boost Nature-Positive Export Markets
3 days ago | 106 viewsAssociate Minister Hon Andrew Hoggard visited Silver Fern Farms in Dunedin to learn how the company addresses growing export demand for credible nature and biodiversity outcomes. Silver Fern Farms collaborates with the Government to develop voluntary nature and carbon markets, using innovative tools like PRISM Earth to support on-farm decision-making and link biodiversity to export claims. The visit also highlighted the Nature Market Accelerator initiative, demonstrating effective public-private collaboration to promote nature-positive production in New Zealand’s food industry.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Silver Fern Farms Dunedin PRISM Earth Lynker Analytics Dan Boulton Nature Market Accelerator New Zealand Government biodiversityNew Research to Improve Food Safety Rules for Deer Hunters in New Zealand
4 days ago | 92 viewsNew research led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute and Lincoln University aims to provide evidence for more targeted food safety rules regarding deer hunting near brodifacoum bait stations. Current regulations impose a two-kilometre buffer zone for three years after poisoning, limiting commercial hunting access, but evolving science may allow for refined, less restrictive measures. This research will also help maintain New Zealand’s reputation for safe meat exports and support trade assurances.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Bioeconomy Science Institute Lincoln University deer hunters food safety rules brodifacoum toxicology statistical modelling bait station designNew Zealand Tests Foot and Mouth Disease Readiness with Farm Simulations
1 week ago | 151 viewsNew Zealand will test its foot and mouth disease readiness through upcoming simulations, including Exercise Farm Gate in May and Exercise Cloven Shield in July, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries. These exercises aim to rehearse responses from on-farm detection to national governance, strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the economy and communities. The government emphasizes the importance of preparedness given the potentially massive economic impact of an outbreak, estimated at up to $14.3 billion annually without action.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Exercise Farm Gate Exercise Cloven Shield Taranaki foot and mouth disease Government Industry AgreementNew Zealand Reviews Ruminant Protein Rules to Protect $4.9B Beef Export
1 week ago | 143 viewsNew Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity ruminant protein regulations BSE mad cow disease beef export World Organisation for Animal Health prion diseases cattleChanel Invests in New Zealand’s Lammermoor Station to Boost Premium Wool Exports
2 weeks ago | 333 viewsThe New Zealand Government has welcomed Chanel’s investment in Lammermoor Station, a premium organic fine wool producer, highlighting it as a boost to the country’s export growth and job retention. Recent reforms have significantly streamlined overseas investment application processes, reducing approval times and increasing investor confidence. Chanel aims to enhance Lammermoor’s status by pursuing Regenerative Organic Certification, which would further elevate the value and reputation of New Zealand’s sustainable wool industry.
Tags: Chanel David Seymour Nicola Willis Mike Butterick Lammermoor Station New Zealand Land Information New Zealand Regenerative Organic Certification Overseas Investment Act French luxury fashionNew Crown Land Bill Empowers High Country Farmers to Boost Economy and Jobs
2 weeks ago | 223 viewsThe Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill, introduced by Land Information Minister Mike Butterick, aims to provide high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify their activities, including farm shops, hospitality, horticulture, and renewable energy projects, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation in regional New Zealand. The bill seeks to streamline administrative processes, reduce red tape, and ensure that new activities maintain or enhance the unique environmental values of pastoral lands. Public input is invited through the Select Committee process to help shape the final legislation, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic growth, environmental stewardship, and strong rural communities.
Tags: Mike Butterick Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill high country farmers pastoral leaseholders economic growth regional New Zealand rural community renewable energy projects farm shops Select CommitteePrepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu: Essential Weather Warnings for Farmers and Rural Communities
1 month ago | 263 viewsFarmers, growers, and rural communities in the North Island, Upper South Island, and Chatham Islands are urged to stay updated and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which is expected to bring heavy rain and damaging winds from Saturday to Monday. Agriculture and Rural Communities Ministers emphasize the importance of safety measures, including self-evacuation from rising waters and moving livestock to higher ground, while acknowledging the resilience of these communities amid ongoing recovery efforts. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local emergency groups, and support is available through the Rural Support Trust for those in need.
Tags: Tropical Cyclone Vaianu Todd McClay Mark Patterson Farmers Growers Rural Communities MetService Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust North IslandTukituki Water Security Project Begins Pre-Construction in Hawkes Bay with $18M Loan
1 month ago | 316 viewsThe Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tukituki Water Security Project Hawkes Bay Regional Infrastructure Fund water storage irrigation economic development food production water security Tukituki Water Limited PartnershipNew Zealand High Country Land Reforms Boost Farming, Jobs, and Regional Growth
1 month ago | 310 viewsThe New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers more flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, create jobs, and increase returns for taxpayers while maintaining strong environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and provides a pathway for exceptional land use changes, supporting modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
Tags: Chris Penk James Meager Crown Pastoral Land Act high country farmers South Island horticulture renewable energy pastoral farming Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill New ZealandNew Rules Boost High Country Farmers: Economic Growth & Land Use Flexibility
1 month ago | 317 viewsThe New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, increase returns for taxpayers, support job creation, and strengthen regional economies while maintaining environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and establishes a process for exceptional land use changes, encouraging modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
Tags: Chris Penk James Meager Crown Pastoral Land Act South Island high country farmers horticulture renewable energy pastoral farming Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill New ZealandNew Pathway Speeds Up Agri-Chemical and Vet Medicine Registration NZ & Australia
1 month ago | 239 viewsThe New Zealand Government has introduced a pilot program allowing agri-chemical and veterinary medicine companies to register products in both New Zealand and Australia through a single process, reducing duplication. This streamlined approach maintains safety and effectiveness standards while accelerating approvals, benefiting farmers and veterinarians by providing faster access to new products. The initiative follows a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing primary sector access to agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines in both countries.
Tags: New Zealand Australia Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister veterinary medicine agricultural chemicals pilot program product registration primary sectorOriental Fruit Fly Controls Lifted in Papatoetoe After Successful Eradication
1 month ago | 269 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the lifting of Oriental fruit fly controls in Papatoetoe following a swift response and no further detections since early March. The rigorous biosecurity system, including pre-arrival fruit treatment, border checks, and surveillance trapping, along with community cooperation, was crucial in preventing a damaging infestation. Although the response concludes, the national fruit fly surveillance programme with nearly 8,000 traps remains active to protect New Zealand’s horticultural sector.
Tags: Oriental fruit fly Papatoetoe Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Biosecurity New Zealand fruit fly detection fruit fly eradication horticultural sector fruit fly surveillance New ZealandNew Zealand and Ireland Strengthen Partnership on Agricultural Climate Research
1 month ago | 387 viewsNew Zealand and Ireland have signed a joint ministerial statement to advance agricultural climate research, building on a successful $34.5 million Joint Research Initiative launched in 2022. Both countries aim to develop tools that help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions without lowering production, focusing on pasture-based farming. Additionally, they launched the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases to enhance scientific research, collaboration, and resource mobilization worldwide.
Tags: Todd McClay Noel Grealish New Zealand Ireland Agricultural Climate Research Joint Research Initiative Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Global Research AllianceRural Resilience Workshops Help Farmers Prepare for Emergencies Across NZ
2 months ago | 346 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced a series of rural resilience workshops starting next week to help farmers and growers prepare for adverse events following recent damaging floods. These practical workshops, held nationwide alongside a rural resilience roadshow on the West Coast, aim to enhance emergency preparedness in rural communities highly exposed to emergencies. Resources such as a farm emergency plan template and preparedness checklist are available on the Good Farm and MPI websites to support farmers.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Agriculture and Forestry Minister Rural Communities Minister New Zealand Otago Blenheim Canterbury Ruapehu WaikatoBluff Oyster Season 2024 Opens with Careful Management Amid Challenges
2 months ago | 425 viewsThe Bluff oyster season has opened with a cautious approach following a pre-season survey indicating challenges such as disease and environmental pressures, but also promising growth of new oysters. Fisheries New Zealand is working closely with local fishers to manage the fishery conservatively, protecting areas with many small oysters and ensuring science-based decisions to safeguard the fishery’s future. The season runs from March to August, with ongoing monitoring planned, and a full survey report to be released later in the year.
Tags: Jenny Marcroft Fisheries New Zealand Bluff oyster Mahurangi oyster Shellfish Working Group Oceans and Fisheries oyster fishers oyster season oyster disease oyster survey