New report uncovers RMA’s inefficiencies, Kiwis open to genetic technologies in food production and rain does little to lift Hurunui farmers spirits. 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! Our new methane direction criticised by top Aussie scientist Federated Farmers is urging the government to prioritise replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) due to new data revealing the inefficiency of the current system. According to Mark Hooper, the organisation’s spokesperson for RMA reform, councils are processing fewer new resource consents at a slower rate than ever before, despite having a record-high number of staff. The Ministry for the Environment’s National Monitoring System data report for 2022/23 highlights significant issues with the current system. In the past year 36,000 resource consents were granted, indicating that councils require consents for nearly every action, even minor ones. This extensive need for consents affects farmers who require approval for routine activities like moving a bore, establishing a wetland, or building a herd home. The percentage of consent applications processed within statutory timeframes has fallen to a record low of 76%, down from 89% in 2020/21. Additionally, councils extended their processing time in over 50% of applications. The median time to process a new resource consent has also increased to 57 days from 46 days in the previous year. Mark Hooper believes that replacing the RMA would be the most meaningful long-term economic reform the government could undertake, stressing the need for a new resource management framework to reduce the burden of resource consents on New Zealanders. Kiwis open to genetic technologies in food production New research by Primary Purpose reveals that New Zealanders are cautiously open to the use of genetic technologies in food production. The survey found that 34% of respondents support the use of these technologies, while another 34% are unsure, and less than a third are opposed. Only 29% of respondents expressed a desire for food production to be entirely free of genetic technologies. The study also highlighted a knowledge gap, with just 31% of respondents indicating they know "a lot" or "a fair amount" about genetic technologies in food production. There was strong support for specific applications of genetic technologies. For instance, 69% of respondents supported their use to control pests and diseases that harm the natural environment, and 68% supported their use to help crops resist pests and diseases, thereby reducing the need for chemicals and pesticides. The survey also revealed demographic variations in support, with men generally more supportive and Māori respondents less supportive of genetic technologies. Additionally, 45% of respondents advocated for a cautious approach, suggesting gradual steps towards the adoption of these technologies. Support for specific uses of genetic technologies in food production included controlling pests and diseases that damage the natural environment, reducing chemical and pesticide use by helping crops resist pests and diseases, lowering farm costs and potentially reducing consumer prices, improving drought resistance of crops to help farmers adapt to climate change, and increasing the nutritional value of foods. When asked how New Zealand should approach the use of genetic technologies in food production, participants responded that they encourage further exploration, assessing on a case-by-case basis to ensure safety, keep New Zealand food production completely free of genetic technologies, and ease regulations to allow for much greater use. Some respondents were unsure about the best approach. Rain does little to lift Hurunui farmers spirits Despite recent rain, drought continues to force Hurunui farmers into tough decisions, according to Federated Farmers North Canterbury provincial meat and wool chair, Sara Black. Black, who farms sheep and beef on Marble Point Station between Culverden and Hanmer Springs, noted that near-continuous rain over the past few weeks brought up to 50mm across the Hurunui district, which was "fantastic." However, she pointed out that the long, dry summer had left the area parched, and although the rain was significant, the absence of summer heat meant they wouldn't benefit from any growth soon. Sheep farmers are currently scanning their flocks but face hard choices due to the severe feed shortage. Many are considering culling multiples, which are usually the most productive stock, because they might not be able to sustain them. Black says these decisions come at a difficult time for farmers. Synthase shuts it’s doors owing millions An animal breeding startup, Synthase Biotech, has shut down due to its inability to secure sufficient commercial contracts and funding. Established in 2015, the ...
