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Ensuring the RMA works for horticulture
The Government is reviewing the Resource Management Act (RMA). Last week, Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) made a submission to the Ministry for the Environment as part of the RMA review process.
‘We have pointed out that the RMA has become overly complex and costly, with uncertain outcomes,’ says HortNZ Natural Resources and Environment Manager, Michelle Sands.
‘There’s also a lack of strategic planning to allow for long term solutions as well as a lack of role clarity. For example, there are overlapping responsibilities and uncertain roles at central, regional and local government levels.
‘In addition, for growers, there is the need for highly productive land - and the ability to use it productively - to be recognised as nationally important. Lastly, in terms of process, the current link between the RMA and Treaty of Waitangi causes a lack of clarity and national inconsistency, which leads to an unsatisfactory process for all involved.’
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MfE consultation on Indigenous Biodiversity
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is consulting on a new National Policy Statement (NPS) for Indigenous Biodiversity, with consultation closing on 14 March 2020.
NPSs are a tool the Government uses to set regulatory requirements across the country. While the NPS for Indigenous Biodiversity is mainly of relevance to sheep and beef farmers given the significant stands of native vegetation on pastoral farms, it will still be of relevance for growers who have land that has biodiversity values (native bush, wetlands, habitats for indigenous species, etc).
HortNZ is developing a submission and will ask district associations and product groups for feedback on the draft. In the meantime, HortNZ would welcome growers' feedback on the proposals. If you have feedback at this stage, please email Michelle Sands.
In February, Beef + Lamb New Zealand are holding workshops throughout the country that growers are also welcome to attend.
Click here to view the schedule of workshops. The next workshop is in Darfield on 13 February 2020.
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Fact sheet: The impact of animals on the risk of foodborne illness in fresh produce
Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand (FPSC A&NZ) has issued a fact sheet on the impact of animals on the risk of foodborne illness in the fresh produce sector.
The fact sheet covers the food safety risks associated with both wildlife and intensive animal production, and outlines recommended practices for managing the co-existence of animal and crop production.
The fact sheet can be accessed here. A template for growers to check their adoption of good practice can be found here. The fact sheet and template can also be found on the NZGAP website.
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Chair - NZ Agrichemical Education Trust (NZAET) - Growsafe
The New Zealand Agricultural Education Trust (NZAET) is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the safe, responsible and effective use of agrichemicals. The Trust provides training and certification of agrichemical users through the Growsafe programme.
The Trust is recruiting for a new Chair, with the primary purpose of providing leadership in ensuring that NZAET is effective in setting and implementing a strategic approach to agrichemical education and training in New Zealand.
For more information, please email Mark Ross for the position description, and for any questions. Applications are due by Friday 28 February 2020.
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Covered crop grower workshop at Lincoln,
18 February
Tomatoes NZ and Vegetables NZ are holding a workshop at Lincoln University on Tuesday 18 February from 9am to 12.30pm to update growers on covered crop research. The workshop will cover biocontrols, tamarixia releases, farm environment plans, automation and more.
If you are interested, please RSVP to Karen Orr by midday on Friday 14 February and advise if you have any special dietary requirements.
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Pukekohe Farm Environment Plan workshop,
25 February
Commercial vegetable growers in the greater Auckland and Waikato regions are invited to the second Farm Environment Plan (FEP) workshop.
When: 5.30 to 8.00pm, Tuesday 25 February
Where: Pukekohe Indian Hall
Cost: $200 per business per workshop (more than one person can attend)
This workshop will focus on mapping, and erosion and sediment control. It will step you through requirements under the New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP) Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS add-on is available to all NZGAP and GLOBALG.A.P certified growers. It includes extra requirements to meet New Zealand regulatory requirements.
Please use this link to register for the EMS ($250 per business) and this link to register for the workshop.
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Gisborne employment workshop,
27 February
HortNZ Seasonal Labour Coordinator, Jerf van Beek is delivering an employment workshop on changes occurring in 2019 and expected changes in 2020.
When: 2.30 - 5.00pm, Thursday 27 February
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 67 Customhouse St, Gisborne
This will be an interactive workshop featuring a Q&A session. Please come along if you have specific questions or issues about your seasonal or fulltime labour.
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Horticulture Conference 2020
The 2020 Horticulture Conference will be at Mystery Creek on 29-31 July. To view a sponsorship prospectus, email Amy Miller. More details to be announced soon.
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