In the face of increasing global trading uncertainty, the NZ Cargo Owners Council argues the best mitigation is to ensure the country has the most efficient supply chain possible.

“Global shocks to the supply chain will keep occurring,” says Council Chair Mike Knowles. “Because of our distance to and from international markets, we are already coming from behind.

One of New Zealand’s largest lingerie designers is expanding its virtual bra fitting model to remedy poor access to specialised advice faced by rural women on both sides of the Tasman.

Experts say wearing a correctly fitted bra is essential for maintaining good posture and preventing back and shoulder pain, particularly for those in active work roles.

The Government has two options on the table for consultation – regulation, or continuation of voluntary schemes.

Included in its definition of farm plastic waste are plastic bale wrap; silage sheet; small plastic bags like those used for seed, feed, and supplements; bulk woven polypropylene bags used for inputs such as fertiliser, minerals and feed; and ag chemicals sold in plastic containers and drums of 1000 litres or less.

“We are ecstatic about this government policy. It’s this type of work that could really shift the dial for the entire NZ wool industry.”

From July 1, new procurement requirements will see construction of Government-owned buildings that cost $9 million and more, and refurbishments of $100,000 and more, using woollen fibre.

“These are big projects, big budgets, and lots of homegrown NZ wool being used instead of harmful, toxic, micro-plastic emitting synthetics,” Biggs says.

Dr Scott Champion has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Foundation for Arable Research, effective 1 July.

FAR board chair Steven Bierema says his skills are well matched to the developing needs of New Zealand’s arable industry and its growers.

Canterbury could get a new food and fibre hub if a potential international partnership goes ahead.

Vital agricultural research is at risk due to flaws in the current funding model, prompting Beef + Lamb New Zealand and partner organisations to raise concerns with Minister Shane Reti.

Animal and Plant Health NZ welcomes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intent to recruit more staff to process new agricultural and horticultural product applications, but says its members believe more fundamental action is required.

Populations of maize pest fall armyworm have reached levels requiring chemical control in Northland this season. 

Failed technology project comes at high cost

OSPRI has apologised to levy-payers for the cost of its failed major technology upgrade and says it will now focus on rebuilding a national animal identification and tracing (NAIT) programme that in future will be able to integrate with its other systems.

This follows what those who own the organisation describe as significant issues with the intended MyOSPRI upgrade; a $16.6 million dollar write-off, resignation of chair Paul Reynolds and the appointment of three new OSPRI directors.

A new arable industry strategy aims to provide cropping farmers with the skills, quality assurance and infrastructure needed to achieve future growth and profitability.

Grosafe Group, based in Tauranga, has become part of Sipcam Oxon, a global plant protection organisation headquartered in Italy.

Now known as Sipcam New Zealand, it is headed by chief executive David MacGibbon, who says his team is excited about future opportunities in the wake of the change.

The New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association has become Seed and Grain NZ in a change it says better reflects what it does.

Local growth and rising demand for services have prompted FMG to open a new office in the heart of Ashburton.