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.
30 April 2018
This submission considers the issues and implications of implementing an environmentally-focussed tax. It provides a rationale for why a nationally applied tax system to achieve environmental outcomes is likely to be inefficient and ineffective for the management of farm nutrient losses.
19 October 2017
We support the general intent of the proposed changes but caution that adequate resourcing and monitoring will be required by the regulator. Clear definitions and criteria are needed to support a risk-based approach, with appropriate protections for the primary industry when using agricultural compounds.
2 October 2017
We consider that a long-term approach and several mechanisms will be required for achieving a low-emission economy. This paper discusses New Zealand’s potential contribution to reducing GHG emissions, in a global context. It discusses efficiency in production for food security, protecting trade-exposed industries and driving behaviour change.
28 April 2017
We recognise the need to manage land use activities to maintain or improve water quality. Final outcomes for freshwater values and attribute states must consider costs and challenges involved. This includes recognising the social, economic and cultural effects on the local community. We support a thorough pan-sector consultation and nationally consistent collaborative approach.
31 March 2017
This submission seeks a narrowing of the list of raw organic materials which are suitable for having notable fertilising and soil conditioning properties. It questions the use of nitrogen application limits as the primary land application control.
8 March 2017
This submission provides feedback on the proposed plan to reduce the amount of contaminants entering into the Waikato and Waipā catchments. We support a collaborative approach, on a catchment basis, staged over realistic timeframes to allow for transition and development of capability. We also seek national consistency in programmes.
1 September 2016
The Marlborough Environment Plan sets controls on land use and development. We support the overall intent of the Plan. However, we advocate using and applying Farm Environment Plans and industry agreed Good Management Practice to achieve the objectives of the plan.
1 August 2016
This submission examines the proposed Southland Water and Land Plan, which is aimed at enabling the sustainable use and development of natural resources. We support its overall intent, but seek simplification of some of the farming rules, and clarification of terms and definitions.
15 July 2016
We provide comment on the Civil Agricultural Aviation Authority jettison rules, and application of industry standards and codes of practice.
27 April 2016
We support many aspects of this plan. However, we are generally opposed to the Regional Council’s approach to nutrient management. We seek clarity on the application and representation of ‘Reference Files’, and support the proposed Nutrient Management Plan changes and use of Certified Nutrient Management Advisers.
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 March 2023
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand has published a revised and updated Code of Practice for fertiliser nutrient management, replacing the previous version published in 2013.
The Code was launched at an event in Wellington on 13 March 2023, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Damien O’Connor.
Minister O’Connor welcomed the publication of the Code, saying it was important good guidance is available for all farm inputs for farmers and the wider sector.
He described farming – producing food for communities and the world – as the most noble of professions. Farmers were dealing with challenges every day and providing them with tools and knowledge was important, he said.
The Code is a key resource tool for the management of nutrients on arable and pastoral farms, horticulture and viticulture blocks, and market gardens.
Association Chief Executive Vera Power says the revised Code provides clear principle-based guidance on supplying nutrients for growing healthy food and fibre.
“Following the Code provides users, regulatory authorities and markets confidence that the nutrients used in Aotearoa New Zealand primary production are managed in a way that minimises adverse environmental impacts,” says Dr Power.
“We believe all New Zealand farmers and growers want to meet societal and their own high expectations for growing healthy food while minimising environmental impacts. Supporting all our aspirations remains at the heart of the guidance provided by this Code.”
The revised Code has had extensive input from agricultural and scientific experts, regulators and industry groups. It can be downloaded from the Association website at www.fertiliser.org.nz
7 September 2022
The 2022 AgriTechNZ Baseline of Digital Adoption in Primary Industries report was released in August.
Created as part of a study by AgriTechNZ and insights partner Research First, the report was co-designed with partners The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, Zespri, The Foundation of Arable Research and DairyNZ. It was also supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures initiative (SFFF).
The 60-page report looks at digital adoption, including key drivers and barriers across the dairy, horticulture, arable and beef/sheep sectors.
You can download the report here.
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