Early Bird I Tuesday October 8th 2024

Community spirit shines as Otago farmers tackle flood aftermath, red meat exporters take reins of Taste Pure Nature campaign, and seven aquaculture ventures set to transform our seafood industry. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Community spirit shines as Otago farmers tackle flood aftermath Otago farmers are taking their first steps towards recovery following recent flooding, with a few days of dry weather providing a much-needed morale boost. Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane reports that some farmers have begun clean-up operations, marking a return to a semblance of normality. However, Kane cautions that the crisis is far from over, particularly in the lower Clutha and Paretai areas. These regions continue to grapple with high water levels, which are expected to take considerable time to recede. The farming community has rallied together, with neighbours helping neighbours in the clean-up effort. This collective action is crucial, as the recovery phase could stretch over several weeks.  Dairy farmers near Kaka Point face ongoing challenges, with floodwaters still impacting milking operations and overall farm management. The full extent of stock losses remains unclear at this early stage. Kane emphasises the critical role weather will play in the coming days. He says if farmers could guarantee about seven sunny days out of the next ten, it would make a massive difference for morale in both stock and people. However, he warns that if the region experiences only a couple of fine days in the next ten, the situation could remain difficult for farmers for some time. Red meat exporters take reins of Taste Pure Nature campaign New Zealand's red meat industry is gearing up for a new chapter in its international marketing efforts. The Taste Pure Nature country of origin programme for beef and lamb is entering a fresh phase, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand handing over control to red meat processors and exporters. This transition, announced earlier this year by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, marks a strategic shift in the campaign's direction and management. The revamped Taste Pure Nature campaign will make its debut at the influential China International Import Expo in Shanghai this November. At the heart of this new approach is a targeted three-year proof-of-concept strategy, aiming to position New Zealand red meat as a top protein choice for Shanghai consumers. Working closely with New Zealand's red meat exporters, the campaign will employ a multi-faceted marketing approach. This includes digital and social media marketing, media and influencer relations, events, and advertising, all designed to resonate with the Shanghai market. Nathan Guy, independent chair of the Meat Industry Association, highlighted the campaign's evolution, acknowledging Beef + Lamb New Zealand's significant investment in promoting the sustainability of New Zealand's grass-fed products. The move comes as competition in the Chinese market intensifies. With China being a key market for New Zealand's red meat sector, this programme is seen as crucial in maintaining and enhancing the country's competitive edge. Zespri seeks grower support for Northern Hemisphere expansion Zespri is intensifying efforts to expand its northern hemisphere production, aiming to secure year-round shelf space and support returns for Kiwi growers. Nick Kirton, Zespri's northern hemisphere executive officer based in Bologna, Italy says the plan involves licensing up to 420 additional hectares annually over the next six years to northern hemisphere growers, primarily in Italy. This proposal follows a larger 10,000-hectare expansion plan that narrowly missed grower approval in 2022. Currently, Zespri has grower approval for 5,000 hectares of SunGold kiwifruit in the northern hemisphere. This season, northern supply, known as Zespri Global Supply, produced about 30 million trays, meeting around 70% of demand during the northern growing season. Italy remains the cornerstone of Zespri's offshore production, accounting for over 80% of northern SunGold supply. Some Italian growers have been partnering with Zespri for over two decades, highlighting the strength of these relationships. Kirton emphasises the critical need for year-round supply in an increasingly competitive market. He says that if Zespri doesn't fill the off-season gap, emerging competitors like Jingold and Kikoka will seize the opportunity. To build understanding and support, Zespri has been bringing New Zealand growers and industry executives to Europe. These visits aim to showcase the skill and commitment of European growers to the Zespri brand. Scientists and officials prepare for potential H5N1 arrival New Zealand scientists have detected a low-pathogenic avian flu strain in a migratory shorebird, marking a significant development in the country's bird health monitoring efforts. While the dangerous H5N1 strain has not yet been found, experts warn its arrival may be inevitable. Professor Jemma Geoghegan, an Otago University virologist co-leading the nationwide sampling effort, reported the discovery of the H1N9 subtype in red knots in the Firth of Thames. This finding came from a Department of Conservation-supported sampling programme covering over 30 wild aquatic bird species and nearly 1400 samples between November and March. Professor Geoghegan says while this low-pathogenic strain isn't a major concern, it's a reminder of the potential pathways for more dangerous strains to enter. The H5N1 strain has caused devastation globally, killing nearly 300 million birds worldwide, including tens of thousands of endangered species. Oceania remains the last region free from this highly pathogenic strain. In response to the potential threat, government agencies have been preparing a coordinated response plan. Dr Fleur Francois, director for diagnostics, readiness and surveillance at Biosecurity New Zealand, says they have been working closely with poultry farmers on potential measures like depopulation, decontamination, and movement controls. A key focus now is ensuring robust on-farm biosecurity plans are in place before any incursion. The Ministry of Health has also developed contingency plans for human cases of HPAI. These include immediate isolation of cases, rapid source investigations, and antiviral treatment. The plan considers quarantine measures and pre-pandemic vaccination for high-risk workers like veterinary staff and poultry handlers. Seven aquaculture ventures set to transform our seafood industry New Zealand's aquaculture industry is poised for significant expansion, with seven major projects given priority under the government's Fast-track Approvals Bill.  The initiative includes a diverse range of ventures across the country. In Canterbury, Sanford plans to establish a land-based greenshell mussel spat hatchery. Southland will see two major developments: a land-based recirculating water salmon hatchery on a former abattoir site, and a salmon farm with processing facilities proposed by Impact Marine. Further south, off Stewart Island's north-eastern coast, Ngāi Tahu Seafood aims to develop the Hananui Aquaculture Project - a substantial 2500-hectare marine farm for finfish. In Northland, Te Aupouri Fisheries Management has plans for nine new marine farms, while Marlborough Sounds could see the renewal of a 424-hectare mussel farm operated by Clifford Bay Marine Farms. Additionally, Sanford is looking to create two 20-hectare open ocean salmon farms, embracing innovative aquaculture techniques. Gary Hooper, chief executive of Aquaculture New Zealand, says the industry has potential to transform regional economies and enhance New Zealand's reputation in the global seafood market. Hooper added that streamlining consent processes would encourage investment and growth in the sector. While the bill is yet to be passed, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop anticipates some projects could receive approval as early as next year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.