Field Notes Issue 613 Field Notes Issue 613 Field Notes Issue 613

[30^th June 2022]

This week Ainslie Ballinger, a manager at KPMG Propagate released an article titled ‘Shifting away from scientific reductionism’ which covers future priorities for investment in food and nutrition science.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Rabobank’s 2022 Food Waste survey found the average New Zealand household wastes NZD1520 of food each year, totalling NZD3.1 billion across the country. Zespri estimates this year’s profits will be between NZD227-247 million, down from last year’s profit of NZD361.5 million.

Overseas, an emergency order has been put in place after the discovery of varroa mites near a port in New South Wales, Australia. All hives within 10 kilometres of the initial infestation will be destroyed, and hives within 25 kilometres will remain under surveillance. In consumer food trends, sattu flour made from a combination of legumes, a popular ingredient in Indian street food is being embraced by upscale restaurants due to its reported beneficial nutrition profile. The EU has confirmed its commitment to reduce pesticide use by 2030, however some are concerned the goal may threaten food security. Some estimate wheat yields could decrease as much as 15% by 2030 if implemented.

Govt invests in wool [27 June, Rural News]

Sheep sector partners in collaboration with the New Zealand Government announced the launch of 'Wool Impact', an initiative aimed at increasing wool export revenues. The three-year NZD11.4 million project plans to facilitate innovation in the sector and make up for “significant under-investment of the past three decades” according to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

Tags: Sheep, Trade & Exports 

Greek blockchain specialists create genetic barcode to protect against olive oil fraud [27 June, Food Navigator]

Greek biotech company BioCos is developing a digital tool that utilises DNA technology to prevent Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) fraud. The device will be used to track and authenticate the EVOO, with consumers able to see this data via a QR code on the bottle.

Tags: Research & Development, International

Sheep milking expands to Taranaki [23 June, Farmers Weekly]

New Zealand dairy sheep company, Spring Sheep, announces the launch of its new ‘Scale-Up’ programme aimed at expanding the dairy sheep industry across the motu, starting in Taranaki. The NZD19.94 million programme is in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor commenting, “this potential industry could be worth more than $750 million in annual export receipts by 2035”.

Tags: Dairy, Sheep

New horticulture course set up in Kaikohe [27 June, The Country]

In Northland, North Tec, a local education provider and Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust have announced the launch of a new horticulture course. Based in Kaikohe, students will be taught about soil and plant science, and how to establish and maintain healthy crops.

Tags: Horticulture, Education

Nathan Guy new chair of Meat Industry Association [27 June, The Country]

Former Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy, will replace current Meat Industry Association chairman John Loughlin following the annual Red Meat Sector Conference at the end of July.

Tags: Red Meat