Articles tagged with Agriculture Minister
Government Announces Further Funding for Storm-Damaged Farmers
1 day ago | 65 viewsThe Government has allocated additional funding to aid farmers and growers in Southland, Clutha, and Hurunui districts in recovering from storm damage. Severe weather caused extensive destruction to powerlines, farm buildings, infrastructure, and affected dairy farms with prolonged power outages. The Rural Support Trusts in North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are receiving up to $70,000 to assist in coordinating recovery efforts and supporting those in need, in addition to the $250,000 previously allocated for storm-affected communities.
Tags: Government funding farmers growers storm damage Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson power outages recovery efforts Rural Support TrustsMinister Urges Farmers and Growers to Prioritize Safety During Severe Weather Warnings
2 weeks ago | 160 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
Tags: Farmers growers foresters weather warnings Agriculture Minister Todd McClay local emergency wind warning human safety power cutsGovernment Invests $8 Million in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research: Boosting Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
3 weeks ago | 151 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations methane barnMinister Andrew Hoggard Represents NZ at World Dairy Summit and Visits South American Agribusinesses
3 weeks ago | 165 viewsNew Zealand's Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing the country at the World Dairy Summit in Chile, where global dairy industry stakeholders convene annually. Hoggard aims to showcase New Zealand's efficient farming practices and discuss the country's innovative, sustainable dairy products at the event. The dairy sector's crucial role in global nutrition, economic support, and New Zealand's export growth strategy is emphasized through Hoggard's participation and upcoming engagements in Argentina and Uruguay.
Tags: Biosecurity Food Safety Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard New Zealand World Dairy Summit farmers dairy products nutrition economyGovernment Invests $8M in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research at State-of-the-Art Facility
3 weeks ago | 144 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations investmentsNew Law Streamlines Freshwater Farm Plans for NZ Farmers
2 months ago | 340 viewsThe Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act, passed into law, has improved the freshwater farm plan system to make it more workable and affordable for farmers, reducing duplication and costs by allowing industry organisations to certify and audit plans. This change recognizes good work done by farmers and industry groups in managing risks, focusing on actual on-farm risks and practical actions to reduce them. The Act increases the minimum farm size requiring a freshwater farm plan to 50 hectares for certain land uses, removing the requirement for around 8,000 smaller, lower-risk farms, supporting environmental stewardship and growth in the primary sector.
Tags: Government freshwater farm plan system Resource Management Act Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard industry organisations farm plans environmental stewardship growth RMA.Government Acts to Prevent 'Stop Work' Order for NZ Farmers: RMA Reform Bill Update
2 months ago | 319 viewsThe Government has intervened to prevent potential stop work notices for thousands of New Zealand farmers due to water discharge rules under the RMA, affecting 2,800 Waikato farms. Various regional councils raised concerns, leading to amendments broadening permitted water discharges in the Resource Management Amendment Bill. The changes aim to support farmers, ensure water quality improvement, and avoid hindering economic recovery, with the bill set to pass into law soon.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Government New Zealand farmers RMA Reform Minister Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister Waikato Regional Council Resource Management Amendment BillPrepare for Adverse Weather: Urgent Message from Agriculture Minister Todd McClay
3 months ago | 617 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay is urging farmers, foresters, and growers in the Top of the South, Bay of Plenty, and parts of Northland to prepare for adverse weather conditions, with orange rain warnings issued for these regions due to significant rainfall expected. MPI staff are on standby to assist, with additional support deployed in affected areas, such as the Top of the South and the Bay of Plenty. Farmers are advised to relocate stock to higher ground in preparation for the storm, and are encouraged to stay updated on weather warnings for further guidance.
Tags: Todd McClay Agriculture Minister farmers foresters growers adverse weather MPI staff rural communities weather warnings surface flooding