Agriculture Press Releases

The release of the 2010-11 Waikato Regional Council statistics showing a huge improvement in effluent compliance reflects the investment dairy farmers are making to meet their environmental responsibilities.

Philip York, Federated Farmers economic spokesperson welcomes the bright picture for the medium term that is portrayed by the latest Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry, or SONZAF.

Rural women can now step put in style thanks to a new range of workwear designed specifically for women.

The Biosecurity Law Reform Bill, a bill proposing the most significant changes to the Biosecurity Act in more than a decade, passed its first reading in Parliament last night and was sent to select committee.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has announced that the use of sow stalls on New Zealand pig farms is to be limited to four weeks after mating in 2012, and prohibited by the end of 2015.

Minister of Trade Tim Groser has welcomed the ruling of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which has found in New Zealand’s favour in the Australia – Apples case.

Biosecurity Minister David Carter says the number of orchards confirmed as having the kiwifruit vine disease Psa remains at three, with one orchard returning a negative result and one other waiting results of tests. The orchards were within 10km of each other, Mr Carter said.

Ministerial statement informing the House of the detection of the kiwifruit vine disease Psa in a Bay of Plenty orchard.

A West Coast research project that radio tracked 30 fernbirds through a recent 1080 operation in the Ianthe Forest, has confirmed that 1080 poses only a minimal risk to fernbird populations.

The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Panel has released a report with findings that favour NZ apple growers in the Australia case. The report finds that all sixteen of Australia’s quarantine measures along with their current Import Risk Analysis are inconsistent with their legal obligations as a WTO member.

Landcare Research and Federated Farmers are providing information to farmers and the public to support honey bee health through the Trees for Bees campaign.