Articles tagged with Growers
New Zealand’s New Planning System Cuts Red Tape for Farmers and Growers
1 week ago | 95 viewsNew Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills—a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill—to simplify land use regulation and better support farmers by reducing red tape, standardizing rules, and adopting a risk-based approach. The new system emphasizes property rights, fewer consents through flexible freshwater farm plans, and practical environmental management, aiming to lower costs and increase certainty for farmers while promoting sustainable practices. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with public consultation planned and laws expected by 2026 to foster economic recovery and environmental stewardship.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill farmers growers farm plans agricultureNew Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals
2 weeks ago | 98 viewsNew Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Agrecovery Plasback Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Act farmers growers Environment Minister rural recycling schemeGovernment Announces Further Funding for Storm-Damaged Farmers
1 month ago | 194 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
1 month ago | 262 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 Boosts Funding for Tasman District Clean-Up, Supporting Local Job Seekers
3 months ago | 293 viewsThe Government is allocating an additional $300,000 to aid the ongoing clean-up efforts in the Tasman district following heavy rainfall in June and July 2025. The Enhanced Taskforce Green program, activated in July, is employing local job seekers to assist farmers and growers in their recovery efforts. This funding extension, totaling $800,000, will support job seekers until December 2025, providing them with work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work.
Tags: Louise Upston Government Funding Taskforce Green programme Job seekers Farmers Growers MSD Natural disasterPrepare for Adverse Weather: Urgent Message from Agriculture Minister Todd McClay
4 months ago | 755 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 floodingGovernment Increases Financial Support for Nelson Tasman Region's Rural Communities
5 months ago | 1265 viewsThe Government is increasing financial support for rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with an additional $600,000 in funding announced by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. This brings the total Government contribution to $500,000 to aid farmers, foresters, growers, and rural contractors in recovering from recent severe weather events. The support package includes contributions to the Mayoral Relief Fund, Farmers Adverse Events Trust, Horticulture sector, and coordination efforts to assist affected vineyards, with a focus on providing immediate and meaningful assistance to help rural businesses recover quickly.
Tags: Todd McClay Government rural communities Nelson Tasman Region farmers foresters growers Agriculture and Forestry Minister rural contractors severe weather eventsGovernment Launches Enhanced Task Force Green Program to Support Flood-Affected Tasman and Marlborough Districts
5 months ago | 833 viewsThe Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts. “Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says. “The recent flooding has been a significant and adverse event damaging farms, homes, roads and bridges.
Tags: Government Enhanced Task Force Green Louise Upston flooding farmers growers assistance support job seekers