Early Bird I Thursday August 1st 2024

First climate report shows challenges ahead, new campaign promotes New Zealand grass-fed meat in China, and Six Inches of Soil sparks discussion in the Beehive. 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! First climate report shows challenges ahead The Climate Change Commission has released its inaugural emissions reduction monitoring report, revealing both advancements and potential shortfalls in New Zealand's climate goals. Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr said that while the country is making headway, there's a risk of missing future emissions targets. The report highlights particular concerns in the agriculture and transport sectors. According to the findings, New Zealand is on track to meet its first emissions budget. However, Dr Carr cautions that external factors could alter this trajectory. These include higher than expected deforestation, increased electricity sector emissions due to dry conditions, or continued growth in transport emissions. The report indicates that emissions fell significantly in 2022, with 94% of the reduction linked to factors outside government control, such as favourable hydro conditions and high fuel prices. Looking ahead, the Commission identifies substantial risks in meeting the second and third emissions budgets. Dr Carr emphasises the urgent need for effective climate policies to ensure the country remains on course. This annual report aims to provide decision-makers with an accurate benchmark for tracking progress.  The Commission will deliver its first national adaptation plan progress report next month, evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of the plan released in 2022. New campaign promotes New Zealand grass-fed meat in China The Meat Industry Association is launching a new campaign to highlight the unique health benefits of New Zealand's grass-fed meat to Chinese consumers. MIA chair Nathan Guy says that while New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, the time has come to differentiate New Zealand's products from competitors. Guy notes that Chinese consumers often view grain-fed beef as superior, while New Zealand's lean beef is seen as a commodity. The industry aims to change this perception. MIA, meat processing companies, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand are jointly developing an enhanced version of the Taste Pure Nature awareness programme. This industry-led initiative will focus on New Zealand's natural attributes, including outdoor farming and nutritional benefits. The campaign, dubbed 'country of origin', will be funded by industry contributions of $2 million each from MIA and Beef + Lamb NZ over three years. They hope for similar government support. Marketing managers from processing companies will design the programme details. The industry plans to unveil the campaign at a major food expo in Shanghai this November. This proactive approach aims to address misconceptions and elevate New Zealand meat's status in the competitive Chinese market, where doing nothing is no longer an option. New Zealand wool expands into Chinese market Wools of New Zealand has inked a landmark deal with Chinese rug and carpet maker Yangxin Ruixin Group. This agreement allows the Chinese company to use Wools of New Zealand branding on its products. While the farmer-owned company already works with international partners, this marks its first branded product arrangement with a Chinese manufacturer. Under the agreement, Yangxin Ruixin can display the Wools of New Zealand logo on items containing at least 60 percent of wool supplied by the Kiwi company. This move adds to the growing list of partners sharing New Zealand's wool story with global consumers. The initiative came about after Yangxin Ruixin and the Chinese Embassy approached Wools of New Zealand. Founded in 1998, Yangxin Ruixin operates China's largest hand-tufted carpet factory, employing 3,000 workers. John McWhirter, chief executive of Wools of New Zealand says an additional benefit of the partnership is enhanced ability to monitor and prevent counterfeit claims of New Zealand wool use in China. He notes that while the company has taken action against unauthorised logo use in the past, having a trusted partner in the Chinese market will help protect the brand's authenticity. This collaboration not only expands New Zealand's wool presence in China but also strengthens measures against fraudulent wool claims, ensuring consumers receive genuine Kiwi quality. Six Inches of Soil sparks discussion in the Beehive Ministers and Members of Parliament have attended a screening of "Six Inches of Soil," a UK documentary on regenerative farming, at the Beehive's Theatrette. The event, organised by Quorum Sense, a national farmer network, aimed to highlight the importance of healthy soil in addressing New Zealand's agricultural and environmental challenges. The cross-party event attracted agricultural ministers and MPs involved in primary production, climate, food, and rural issues. Barbara Kuriger, National MP for Taranaki-King Country and Deputy Speaker, described the film as a celebration of soil and farming, emphasising the opportunities that lie beneath our feet. "Six Inches of Soil" follows three young British farmers as they adopt regenerative agriculture practices. The documentary features mentors guiding these farmers, including New Zealand-born agroecologist Nicole Masters. Becks Smith, Chair of Quorum Sense, explained that the film was brought to New Zealand to educate communities about soil health and demonstrate how farming can benefit nature. She highlighted regenerative agriculture as a source of hope for the rural sector. The documentary has been shown in 45 independent cinemas across New Zealand, encouraging both urban and rural communities to consider the origins and methods of food production. This screening at Parliament underlines the growing interest in regenerative farming practices at the highest levels of government. Quorum Sense, with over 1500 farmers, growers, and scientists in its network, promotes peer-to-peer learning to improve soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity, and farm productivity. Arable sector explores 'A Lighter Touch' in farming The Foundation for Arable Research, is organising a series of events next month to help growers reduce agrichemical use in their crops. These workshops are part of the "A Lighter Touch" programme, a seven-year initiative co-funded by government and industry. Jo Drummond, FAR's senior cereals researcher, notes that interest in this approach is growing, alongside an increase in available tools for growers. She highlights that reducing inputs makes economic sense, especially when grain prices are low and input costs are high. While agrichemicals remain important for managing pests and diseases in arable production, their use faces challenges. Consumer pressure is mounting, and there's a growing concern about pest and disease resistance. The upcoming events will focus mainly on cereals but will also cover processed and fresh vegetable sectors. Dr Aoife O'Driscoll, a crop protection expert from the UK, will share her insights at these workshops. The series kicks off in Timaru on August 6th, followed by sessions in Ashburton, Gore, Hastings, and Bulls throughout the month. Local growers will also share their on-farm achievements at some events. The integrated approach combines cultural, chemical, and biological controls. Drummond explains that recent changes in fungicide effectiveness have prompted growers to reconsider their chemical use strategies. These workshops aim to help farmers balance disease control, profitability, and productivity while extending the lifespan of available chemicals. Growers will learn how to integrate various methods, including crop rotation, monitoring, and decision-support tools. Drummond emphasises that growers can adopt aspects of the "A Lighter Touch" approach that suit their needs, whether they're fully committed or just starting to explore these methods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.