Feeding the world’s growing population
New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.
"Under the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, many farms in New Zealand will likely be required to have a freshwater plan, so it's important that farmers and growers have access to suitably qualified people to develop these plans," says Vera Power, Chief Executive of the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand.
"The flexibility of these courses will enable people to study around their existing commitments and build their expertise to feel confident in delivering these plans."
"It is critical that farmers are able to access advisers with proven ability to give the type of holistic advice that farmers and growers will need to step-up their environmental management."
The School has created two new courses: New Zealand Farm Systems, and Intermediate Farm Environment Planning. A third course, Advanced Farm Environment Planning, is due to be developed in 2021.
Dr Lucy Burkitt, Senior Research Officer at the School of Agriculture and Environment is leading the creation of the Intermediate Farm Environmental Planning course. "It is designed for industry professionals interested in upskilling in the concepts and components important for the development of freshwater Farm Environment Plans," says Dr Burkitt.
"An online environment and digital resources will be used to guide students through the development of a Farm Environment Plan."
You can find out more about the courses and enrolment information at: https://www.massey.ac.nz/~flrc/courses.html
Dr Lucy Birkitt
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and Dairy NZ funded development of the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP). This industry-wide certification aims to ensure that advisers have the learning, experience and capability to give sound nutrient advice.
15 April 2021
Good soil fertility is critical for our agricultural economy. We welcome today's report. One of the areas highlighted in the report is soil quality, and in particular, soil fertility as measured by the 'Olsen P' soil test. However, the report's analysis is based on a limited data set. Our analysis of industry data suggests a slightly different picture than presented in the report.
31 March 2021
Congratulation to Tim Jefferd, Regional Manager for the Eastern North Island at Agricom, who became the 300th person certified through our Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme.
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