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.