News Ticker

Coal not in Fonterra’s future

Fonterra has been working on its transition to renewable energy for some time and says it can, and will, get out of coal, with a couple of practical constraints. Nine of its 29 sites use coal and Chief Operating Officer Fraser Whineray says there’s been a lot of progress over the last few years to get the Co-op to a position where it can make this commitment. “With customers in more than 140 countries we have global insights and long-term trends supporting these actions, which have been in progress for some time. “Last year we achieved our target of a 20 per cent reduction in energy intensity from a 2003 baseline after making thousands of improvements across sites here in New Zealand. Lifting energy efficiency is a valuable pre-requisite to larger investments. “More recently we reduced the total quantity of coal we use by 10 per cent when we converted our Te Awamutu site to burn wood pellets and this builds on our experience from converting our Brightwater site in 2018 to co-fire on wood biomass.” Conversion or replacement of existing coal boilers to renewable energy is a significant, logistical, technical and financial undertaking. “We’ve built a lot of capability in-house and with partners in New Zealand and internationally and this provides us with comfort that solutions are sustainable. “It’s important to us that New Zealand continues to be at the forefront of sustainable food production – and getting out of coal is one way we can help with this. “We already have the lowest carbon footprint among major milk producers around the world and we want to continue to build on this competitive advantage,” says Whineray. “While we’re working on this transition, we need to make sure we can deliver on our […]

Global seed Sector commits to UN goals

Nyon, Switzerland – Seed companies and associations representing all regions of the world have come together to sign a Declaration committing to actively support achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proactively demonstrate their extensive and diverse contributions towards sustainable food systems, while calling for more urgent public private cooperation. The “Seed Sector Declaration”, signed by seed companies of all sizes and geographic representation and by seed associations representing hundreds of companies per country, was launched as a part of the sector’s engagement with the UN Food Systems Summit, scheduled for September 2021. The document acknowledges the enormous challenge for agriculture to produce sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, amid rising pressure from climate change, effective biodiversity preservation and natural resource scarcity. On current trends, the number of hungry people is expected to reach 840 million by 2030, from 690 million at present. Through the Declaration, the seed sector players outline a common set of principles for global action supporting sustainable agriculture. “We, the actors of the private seed sector, representing its diversity, acting as individuals or as representatives of cooperatives, family-, small-, medium sized- or multinational companies, based around the world, are committed to a future where enough affordable, safe and nutritious food is produced for all without compromising the economies, societies or environments of future generations,” says the Declaration. Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the world’s food and nutrition crisis, but it has also shown us what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to produce solutions. “The Declaration is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the private seed sector’s diversity and unique contributions. We believe that transforming the world’s food […]

Environmental leaders inspire and challenge farmers at dairy forum

Dairy farmers at the Dairy Environment Leaders Forum in Wellington have heard first-hand what will be required of all New Zealanders in order to meet our climate change obligations. The Wellington forum’s first day opened on Tuesday (17 March) with keynote speaker Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rodd Carr, followed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw and speakers from other sectors. Dr Carr told the group of around 40 Dairy Environment Leaders at the two day forum that all New Zealanders have a responsibility to begin reducing emissions if we are to rise to the climate challenge. “Human beings have a carbon footprint, no matter what we do,” said Dr Carr. “So it’s about containing it, and how we contain it. The climate waits for no-one. As a nation, we can choose what we do, but we can’t choose not to reduce emissions. “So it’s about our share of the responsibility. The science is now so clear that we have to act because greenhouse gases are causing the climate to change. The needle on the dial is moving toward doing what we can, when we can. “There is technical feasibility, economic effects and social acceptance we need to address. I think the journey is underway, we just have to configure how we do it. Long-term, we will need a technological break-through.” Climate Change Minister James Shaw echoed that view, saying there are diverse tools farmers can use in different farm conditions across New Zealand and there is time to achieve the changes. “We can get to where we need to, over the next 30 years, with the options we have now,” said Mr Shaw. “Fortunately, we are not starting from scratch, there’s been a lot of good work done in the last five years, including through the He Waka Eke […]

Conference focuses on new future for pastoral industries

An international virtual conference that focuses on cultivating a shift towards more sustainable and ethical grazing systems will involve presentations from experts all over the world. Hosted by Lincoln University, the series includes six weekly online workshops, to take place between 31 May and 5 July 2021. Livestock Production Professor Pablo Gregorini says the event is not to be missed, as no other scientific convention in the world offers such breadth of topic coverage. “We’re aiming to influence future theoretical and practical models of pastoralism with a series of talks from a wide range of experts. Participants will be exposed to cutting-edge thinking and practice, with an international audience of scientists, academics, postgraduate students and policymakers, as well as farmers from around the world.” Discussions will centre on re-imagining models of pastoralism by referring to what Prof Gregorini refers to as “grazing in future multiscapes”. The “multiscapes” include thoughtscapes (ways of thinking), landscapes (environments including soil, water and air), foodscapes (dietary perceptions and health), socialscapes (societal demands), and wildscapes (issues relating to interactions between agriculture and wildlife). Keynote speakers will cover subjects as diverse as system thinking, rangeland, grasslands, grazing management, ecology, indigenous development, agroecology, environmental ethics and sustainability, economic sociology, natural resources management, and landscape design. Prof Gregorini is Head of Lincoln University’s Centre of Excellence: Designing Future Productive Landscapes, director of the Lincoln University Pastoral Livestock Production Lab and Chair of the International Scientific Committee for the Nutrition of Herbivores. These organisations all seek to explore and re-imagine future agricultural and pastoral industries while considering the sociological and cultural context for an evolving world.

New pastures on the horizon

The Blue Sky Pastures board is pleased to announce its appointment of a new CEO for the company, Jim Goodall. The announcement comes as former CEO Todd Grave departs the Southland meat processor, taking up a new role as CEO of Meadow Mushrooms in Christchurch. Board chairman Scott O’Donnell said he was looking forward to welcoming Goodall to the team and was confident his extensive red meat industry experience would continue to strengthen the company’s forward trajectory. “Jim’s skillset and experience are a great fit for Blue Sky – we’re looking forward to Jim leading the business into its next chapter, where the focus will turn to capturing more value for the company and suppliers,” he said. Goodall brings with him a long career in the meat industry. He began his career at Weddel Tomoana in the Hawke’s Bay in 1988 and has spent time working in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and USA, bringing with him a diverse portfolio of knowledge and business development. His governance and leadership experience is extensive. Currently, Goodall is a director of Lean Meats Ltd and Atkins Ranch Holdings Ltd, and CEO of Atkins Ranch – a US retail-focused lamb marketer. He is also CEO of Progressive Meats, a specialist toll processor of lamb, mutton, goat and beef in the Hawke’s Bay. Goodall said value extraction from quality produce linked to point of difference supply programmes which provide premium returns to farmers were among some of the building blocks he hoped to bring to his new role. “I’m looking forward to joining the Blue Sky Pastures team, discovering its point of difference and getting alongside all stakeholders, particularly our farmer suppliers,” he said. Departing CEO Todd Grave was pleased to see Blue Sky’s leadership in good hands and wished Goodall well. “Working with Blue […]

Pandemic exposes fractured global biosecurity system

The world needs a new approach to biosecurity that can identify and deal with potential pandemics however they arise, says biosecurity expert Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme. Dist Prof Hulme, of the Bio-Protection Research Centre, says Covid-19 has shown it’s time for a holistic approach to biosecurity that integrates threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, recognising that disease or invasions in one sector often spill over into the others. “The world is witnessing a global rise in the number of emerging alien species, including insect pests, noxious weeds as well as diseases of plants, animals and humans. Currently there is no effective international regulation that addresses all these threats and, as a result, these species pose a significant challenge to biosecurity interventions worldwide. “Inward-looking policies that solely address human, animal, plant, or environmental health are no longer fit for purpose because of the significant cross-sector impacts of invasive alien species.” As an example, due to its painful sting, the imported red fire ant causes significant impacts on human and livestock health, but it also directly destroys crops at the seedling stage and dramatically reduces the diversity of native invertebrates through predation. This species has been intercepted multiple times at the New Zealand border and if it established the impacts would be felt across numerous sectors. “Similarly the factors driving pandemics that threaten human, animal, plant, or environmental health share many parallels and include climate change, increasing intensification of agriculture, trade and human migration, greater urbanisation and a loss of specialist expertise. In a new paper in the leading journal BioScience (attached) Dist Prof Hulme discusses the challenges arising from a piecemeal approach to biosecurity and outlines key steps to remedy the situation. He calls for One Biosecurity, a concept that pulls together all the different threads of biosecurity into […]

DairyNZ events support environment and profitability

DairyNZ events launching this week will help farmers achieve a thriving business while meeting environmental goals. The nine Explore your Options farmer events are being held in March and April in Whangarei, Cambridge, Whakatane, Stratford, Dannevirke, Culverden, Taieri, Clydevale and Riversdale. As part of DairyNZ’s Step Change project, these events help farmers learn from other farmers to improve water quality and reduce emissions, while growing profitability. “The Explore your Options events are great for farmers to learn about opportunities and mitigations. This will help deliver a thriving farm business while meeting or exceeding environmental obligations,” said DairyNZ farm performance general manager Sharon Morrell. “Profitability is key because it informs farm decisions and enables options. It’s critical farmers can financially adapt to environmental commitments and future changes.” Farmers are committed to continue improving environmental performance, said Ms Morrell. “New Zealand is already the lowest emissions producer of milk in the world and we want to remain that way.” Step Change helps farmers understand their position, explore options, create an action plan and implement positive change. Local farmers will host the events and will share their experiences and solutions. For example, Whangarei farmers Andrew and Vicky Booth are reducing emissions by reducing stock numbers, using fertiliser more efficiently and retiring land. Canterbury dairy farmer John Faulkner has actively reduced nitrogen use while improving profitability, and has an extensive revegetation and biodiversity programme underway. The Explore your Options events will also help farmers understand the future of agriculture. “Farmers will also learn about the changes ahead, including the new freshwater rules and climate change developments. Dairy farming is constantly evolving and we encourage farmers to come along to stay ahead of the game.” For event details, go to dairynz.co.nz/stepchange Explore your Options events March 10: Stratford, Taranaki Host farmers: Chris and Kathy Prankerd […]

Melissa-Slattery-Dairy-Environment-Leaders-chair

Dairy Environment Leaders converge on the capital

Rising to meet environmental challenges and supporting each other through change will top the agenda when Dairy Environment Leaders meet in Wellington for their annual forum on March 16-17. Dairy Environment Leaders (DELs) are leading farmers from across the country, who work with other farmers, their communities and decision makers to drive positive change. DEL chair Melissa Slattery said the forum is timely as the sector responds to climate change and water quality regulations, and farmers are supported with profitable and sustainable practices. The forum’s theme this year is Manaakitanga – supporting through change. “Dairy farming has changed over the years and will continue to evolve to meet the expectations of our communities and consumers. There will be huge challenges – but there are also huge opportunities,” said Melissa. “We all want the same things: clean water, low emissions and a strong economy. We can’t solve the challenges ahead in isolation and all New Zealanders need to make changes. “Most farmers are open to change but they want confidence what is being asked is fair and practical, and assurance that if they invest, the goalposts won’t shift. “Farmers also need support to succeed – and that includes significant Government investment in R&D and rural broadband.” Speakers at this year’s forum include Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rodd Carr who will give the keynote address, Climate Change Minister James Shaw and speakers from other sectors. “It’s important we hear from other sectors to highlight we aren’t alone and to learn from their approach. All New Zealanders will need to make changes to address climate change and dairy farmers are committed to playing their part,” said Melissa. “We will also meet with a number of MPs in Parliament to discuss the […]

CropLife Asia’s online forum draws Asian policymakers and global experts

A first-of-its-kind virtual conference on drone use for pesticide application in Asia concluded this week after three days of dialogue and discussion among stakeholders from across the food supply chain. The event focused on perspectives ranging from those of regional governments, manufacturers as well as commercial adopters, and experts in the field forecasting future innovations. “Our industry takes seriously its commitment to ensure responsible use of plant science technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. Drones are a new tool that can support and strengthen that effort – and have the potential to play a transformative role in Asian agriculture,” said Mr. Gustavo Palerosi-Carnerio, CropLife Asia President. “As with any innovation, the most critical components are the best practices that reflect responsible use and the policies that underpin them. Through this week’s conference, we’ve heard vital insights from agricultural drone use experts in these areas and what the future may hold. We look forward to continuing these constructive conversations, and working with regulators and other key stakeholders across the food supply chain to help deliver drone use for pesticide application in Asia that is conducted responsibly.” Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used by large and small-scale farmers globally. This includes use for mapping, crop surveillance and scouting, pesticide application, and monitoring both irrigation as well as grazing livestock. According to a recent Industry ARC report, “Agricultural Drones Market – Forecast (2021-2026)”, the market for agricultural drones is projected to reach more than $5.8 billion by 2026. In Asia, the use of drones for pesticide application is rapidly growing in popularity due to the advantages it provides, namely: efficiency with use of inputs; enhanced spray precision; reduced water consumption; and less dependence on labor, resulting in lower associated costs. “As food and agricultural stakeholders, we all have a duty […]

CropLife Asia 2021 AGM had Regional Food Supply Chain & Farmer Resiliency Center Stage

Croplife Asia 2021 AGM kicks off with election of Board of Directors The CropLife Asia 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) brought together plant science industry leaders from across the continent. This year’s edition of the annual gathering included a unique focus on how the global pandemic has impacted various aspects of the regional food supply chain as well as the official presentation of the newly-elected Board of Directors. The 2021 Board consists of: – Mr. Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro – President, CropLife Asia (BASF) – Mr. Alexander Berkovskiy – Vice President, CropLife Asia (Syngenta) – Mr. Jens Hartmann – Treasurer, CropLife Asia (Bayer) – Mr. Peter Ford – Secretary, CropLife Asia (Corteva Agriscience) “It is an honor to lead CropLife Asia at such a consequential time for our region and industry,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, President of CropLife Asia. “The challenges we face in Asia are daunting. While our region remains home to the highest number of hungry and undernourished, farmers are facing increasing pressure from pests, weeds, disease and the impacts of climate change. The far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated the strain on food production and distribution. “Plant science has an important role to play in making our food supply chain more resilient, but it’s only part of the solution. On behalf of CropLife Asia, we look forward to working with food and agriculture stakeholders across the region to meet these growing demands.” In January of this year, the United Nations (UN) released a report titled Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition. Among the findings of the report was new data reflecting a troubling lack of food security among children and the most vulnerable parts of society in Asia. Specifically, nearly two billion people in Asia cannot afford a healthy diet, […]

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