Developments

Bay of Plenty woman wins Young Grower of the Year

The future of our $5.6 billion horticultural industry is in excellent hands as shown by the talent of this year’s Young Grower of the Year: Erin Atkinson of Te Puke. Erin Atkinson, 30, technical advisor for Apata Group in Te Puke, was named Young Grower at an awards event in Christchurch tonight after a long day pitting her skills, knowledge and experience against four other finalists. She is the first woman to win the title, which is in its 11th year. Erin, who won the Bay of Plenty section back in February, also secured the national title of Young Fruit Grower tonight along with the best business, best innovation and best speech titles. Runner-up for Young Grower was Scott Wilcox of Pukekohe, who is also Young Vegetable Grower 2017, while third place went to Ben Geaney of Waimate. Erin has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and has spent most of her working life in the horticulture industry. She said she was extremely proud to have been named Young Grower, especially as the standard of the other finalists was very high. “It was an extremely challenging competition but I’ve really enjoyed meeting the other finalists and am looking forward to taking the award back to Te Puke.” The Young Grower of the Year competition is run by Horticulture New Zealand and sponsored by the Horticentre Trust. During the competition, all five finalists competed in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful export-focused horticultural business. They also took part in a leadership panel discussion before delivering a speech on biosecurity in front of the judges at the awards dinner attended by 200 people. Judges looked for individuals who could make a difference in their sectors and the industry, going beyond great […]

Artificial Intelligence to help wine profits flow

Artificial Intelligence has been making waves in many industries and is increasingly affecting life as we know it. Now the New Zealand wine sector is getting in on the act, with Lincoln Agritech Ltd developing a computerised system to make early-season predictions on the grape yield a vineyard is likely to harvest. “Grape growers and wineries spend a lot of money trying to predict their grape yield each year,” says Lincoln Agritech Optics and Image Processing Team Leader Jaco Fourie. “This currently involves hiring a large number of workers to manually sample grape bunches.” Lincoln Agritech is working on creating a more convenient system that uses electronic sensors to accurately count grapes. “The sensors will capture and analyse grape bunches within individual rows, and assess the number, sizes and distribution of grape bunches,” says Dr Fourie. “We’ll then feed this data into computer algorithms, which have been designed by the University of Canterbury, to predict grape yield at harvest time.” New data will be added to the system each year, leading to continuous improvements in the model’s accuracy, with the system’s predictive power improving over time as more data is gathered under different conditions. Dr Fourie says profitable wine production depends on early knowledge of the grape yield that is likely to be harvested each season. “Estimating the yield as soon as possible allows marketers to know how much wine will end up being produced.” The main focus of grape varieties for the study is Sauvignon Blanc, after which the team will identify how much technology development will be needed for Pinot Noir. The project is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and NZ Winegrowers. Collaborating partners include Plant and Food Research, Lincoln University, the University of Canterbury, CSIRO (Adelaide), NZ Winegrowers and local winegrowers in […]

Fonterra announces increase to farmer shareholders payouts

Fonterra has today announced a significant increase in total payout for its farmer shareholders and a solid overall operating and financial performance, as part of its 2017 Annual Results. The Co-operative has confirmed a final Cash Payout of $6.52 for the 2016/2017 season for a 100% share-backed farmer. This is made up of a Farmgate Milk Price of $6.12 per kgMS and a dividend of 40 cents per share. Revenue increased by 12% to $19.2 billion, with rising prices offsetting a 3% decline in volumes at 22.9 billion LME. Normalised EBIT of $1.2 billion was down 15% as a result of reduced margins across the business which also influenced net profit after tax, down 11% at $745 million. Chairman John Wilson said the Co-operative’s ability to maintain its forecast dividend despite the Milk Price increasing by 57% over the year and the impact of negative stream returns was an excellent result. “We will always need to manage variability across our Co-operative – both in global markets and in our local farming conditions. We’ve demonstrated our ability to deal with those conditions and deliver on our strategy again this year,” said Mr Wilson. “Over recent seasons, our farmers have made significant personal sacrifices to reduce costs through a sustained low milk price period. “As part of our continued business transformation, the Co-operative has also made a fundamental shift in the way it operates, continuing the strong focus on increased efficiency and developing new revenue streams. “Despite lower milk volumes due to poor weather in parts of the season, the business delivered a good result by prioritising higher value Advanced Ingredients and growing our sales of these in-demand and specialised products by 473 million LME this year.” Our Consumer and Foodservice business continues its strong performance. This year we sold more than […]

Synlait receives CDFA registration of A2 infant formula

Synlait has received registration which will allow exports of The a2 Milk Company Limited’s China label infant formula to China to continue. All manufacturers of infant formula are required to register brands and recipes with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) in order to import products into China, through traditional import channels, from 1 January 2018. Synlait submitted the dossier application to the CFDA for the registration of The a2 Milk Company’s infant formula in May 2017. The rigorous process included raw materials and finished products testing, certification of manufacturing standards and formulation assessment, as well as packaging changes in response to labelling and branding requirements. “We view this registration as another milestone in our long-term partnership with The a2 Milk Company. Synlait teams in New Zealand and China compiled a significant dossier to ensure our application was in line with CFDA requirements,” said John Penno, Synlait’s Managing Director and CEO. “Having successfully navigated the process, in conjunction with The a2 Milk Company, we are now in a stronger position for future applications of other Synlait customers,” adds Mr Penno. Geoffrey Babidge, Managing Director and CEO of The a2 Milk Company, said: “Our flexible multi-channel infant formula strategy in both China label products (offline and online) and cross-border English label products (online) has positioned The a2 Milk Company well in the context of the current regulatory requirements.” “We look forward to the continued expansion of our business in China following this announcement.” Synlait and The a2 Milk Company’s commercial relationship began in 2010 with a goal to manufacture the world’s first infant formula made from milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein type, and free from the A1 protein type. The a2 Milk Company worked closely with Synlait and their Canterbury milk suppliers to introduce and manage A1 […]

Research to use bacteria in revolutionary ways

In the picture: The Lincoln Agritech Biotechnology Group (from left to right): Dr Richard Weld, Dr Johanna Steyaert, International Intern Camille Vagner, Nicholas Glithero, PhD Student Thomas Flinois and Simon Lee. A new Lincoln Agritech research programme will find revolutionary ways of using naturally-occurring bacteria and fungi to increase the availability of nitrogen to plants and improve plants’ tolerance to stress. A second programme will work towards naturally removing ‘off’ flavours in wine. Lincoln Agritech is an independent multidisciplinary research and development company owned by Lincoln University. Biotechnology Team Manager Dr Richard Weld, who is leading the research, says the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has awarded the programmes a combined $8.2m. “This is a notable achievement for a small organisation.” The first of the two projects will benefit the forestry and pastoral sectors by allowing pine trees and grasses to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available mineral nitrogen in the same way that legumes such as clover do, and by improving the plants’ tolerance to stress. Dr Weld says this can be achieved by optimising the natural microbial communities associated with the plants, thereby creating new symbioses between plants, bacteria and fungi. “We will select bacteria that fix nitrogen and that enhance plant tolerance to stress,” says Dr Weld. “These bacteria will then be combined in symbiotic association with two fungi which naturally live within plants. “After this, the fungal-bacterial hybrids can be introduced to pine trees and perennial ryegrass. The combination will make the plants more resistant to stress and more able take up nitrogen.” Dr Weld says the five-year programme is world-leading, as no other researchers have attempted a triple symbiosis between fungi, bacteria and these plants. The research team from Lincoln Agritech, Lincoln University, Scion and AgResearch includes scientists who have been instrumental in developing fungal […]

Smashing the avocado production bottleneck

A method of supplying 500 times more avocado plants to industry than is currently possible has been invented by University of Queensland researchers. The new stem cell multiplication method could double avocado production in Queensland, as well as reducing the time it takes for new avocado varieties to reach commercial orchards from 10 years to three years or less. Professor Neena Mitter from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, a UQ research institute supported by the Queensland Government, is leading the project. “At present, to supply new trees, the avocado industry follows the same process they have for the last 40 years, which is to take cuttings from high quality trees and root them,” Professor Mitter said. “However, this is a cumbersome, labour and resource intensive process, as it takes about 18 months from the cutting stage to having a plant for sale, which creates a huge bottleneck for nurseries across the globe in the number of trees that they can supply trees to growers.” Queensland produces 50 per cent of Australia’s high-value avocado crop, worth $460 million a year. However, the industry is hampered by a shortage of high-quality planting material and there is a backlog of plant orders until 2020. With funding from the avocado industry and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Professor Mitter’s team successfully developed a stem cell tissue-culture system that can supply 500 times more plants. The technology is non-GM and environmentally-friendly, requiring less land, water, fertilisers and pesticides. “Ten-thousand plants can be generated in a 10 square-meter room on a soil-less media,” Professor Mitter said. “This is a potential game changer for the avocado industry across the globe.” The Queensland-owned technology involves a secret recipe of media, light, temperature and other factors to grow and root multiple avocado plants from the shoot […]

Hawkes Bay grower vying for national Young Grower title

Hawkes Bay’s young fruit grower champion is set to battle it out in Christchurch next week for the national title of Young Grower of the Year 2017. Jordon James, 25, an orchard worker at Mr Apple in Whakatu, triumphed over seven other young fruit growers to take home the Hawkes Bay Young Grower of the Year title in July. On August 16 and 17, at the Sudima Airport Hotel in Christchurch, Jordon will test his horticultural skills and knowledge against the other finalists to compete for both the national title of Young Fruit Grower of the Year and the Young Grower of the Year 2017. The competition is run by industry representative Horticulture New Zealand and sponsored by the Horticentre Trust and is now in its 11th year. In the national competition, one vegetable grower is pitted against four fruit growers to vie for the Young Grower of the Year title. One of the four fruitgrowers is also named Young Fruit Grower of the Year. During the competition, Jordon will compete in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful export-focused horticultural business. All finalists also take part in a leadership panel discussion, before delivering a speech in front of the judges at a dinner event, where the winner is announced. Horticulture New Zealand Chief Executive, Mike Chapman, said the aim of the competition was to foster excellence amongst young growers and future-proof what is a $5.6 billion industry that exports 60% of total production to about 124 countries. “The competition is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our exceptional young growers while also supporting them in their futures. Jordon is a great example of the young people who are passionate about the industry’s future and their role in it. […]

World Class New Zealander Award for FAR’s Phil Rolston

FAR’s Phil Rolston is officially a World Class New Zealander! Dr Rolston was one of six people from very different industries who were honoured at the 2017 World Class New Zealand Awards in Auckland. Judging panel chair Phil Veal said the awards showcased the very best of this country’s talent, and focused on how individual’s contributed to New Zealand’s global reputation, building global connections for New Zealand, and promoting the exchange of information, knowledge and skills. Phil’s citation referenced his scientific influence on the farming sector worldwide, from New Zealand to China. Phil has invested 42 years with DSIR Grasslands/AgResearch in forages and forage seed research and is currently employed by the Foundation for Arable Research. In 1996 he received China’s highest award to foreigners, the Friendship Medal, 1996. In 2005 he received the NZ Institute of Agriculture, and the Horticulture Technology Transfer Award. Phil was acknowledged as Researcher of the Year by the Foundation for Arable Research in 2008. He also received the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, 2015. The other 2017 winners are: Parris Goebel – Choreographer & Founder of ReQuest, The Royal Family and The Palace Dance Studio Ian Wright – Engineer & Founder of Wright Speed Dr Privahini Bradoo – Scientist, CEO and Founder of BlueOak Robert Oliver – Chef, Author, Restaurateur Sir Rob Fenwick KNZM KStJ The World Class New Zealand Awards are New Zealand’s most prestigious individual achievement awards, acknowledging the country’s top international talent. Established in 2003, the awards recognise world-leading Kiwis whose inspiring achievements are defining New Zealand’s image internationally. There are plenty of Awards celebrating success in New Zealand – the key point of difference for these Awards is the celebration of global success often from Kiwis who have achieved outstanding and, in many cases, world-changing success offshore.

WaterForce improves agricultural efficiency and sustainability

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has announced the success achieved with WaterForce, a leading provider of water management and irrigation solutions in New Zealand. Schneider Electric worked with WaterForce to develop a cloud-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) mobile control solution, built on Microsoft Azure and Azure IoT technologies, which enables farmers to operate irrigation pivots with greater agility, efficiency and sustainability. Agriculture accounts for nearly 70 percent of the world’s water consumption. As global food demand grows, water use is expected to rise – making efficient irrigation critical. With Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxureTM architecture, WaterForce developed a cloud-based IIoT solution so farmers can monitor and control irrigation pumps and pivots from their computer, tablet or smartphone. EcoStruxure is Schneider Electric’s IoT-enabled, open and interoperable system architecture and platform. It delivers Innovation At Every Level across connected products, edge control, and apps, analytics, and services, and enables scalable design and operation of connected systems for increased operational efficiency. “Every day I adjust my pivots and pumps for a variety of reasons – shifts in the wind, rain levels, crop requirements or local regulations,” said Craig Blackburn, Director Farm Manager of Blackhills Farm, “Now I can monitor and control my irrigation system easily from my mobile phone, saving me hours of time not spent driving around the farm. With information at my fingertips, my farm is more productive, water and energy costs are lower and crop yields higher.” Unique to this solution is its ability to work with a farm’s existing equipment, such as irrigation and pump controllers. This means no significant capital investment is required before seeing benefits. “Most farms are not built to handle large software installations,” said Ron McFetridge, Director of WaterForce. “Using a lightweight, cloud solution with mobile capabilities has been key to […]

New public-private research institute for BOP

The University of Waikato will be part of a new horticulture-focused regional research institute in the Bay of Plenty. Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith announced late last week that the government would provide $8.42 million over five years with additional funding to come from industry. The business case was put forward by Tauranga economic development agency Priority One alongside the University of Waikato and a consortium of eight local companies working together as Plantech. The research focus will be on improving productivity and sustainability in the horticulture sector to drive significant economic benefits for the Bay of Plenty. Plantech will initially focus on research to enable digital automation of devices for growers, including robotics and digital sensing.

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