Field Notes Issue 725

In Aotearoa…

Seven aquaculture projects are on the government’s first list of selected projects in the Fast-track Approvals Bill. If the bill is passed, projects such as a land based green-shell mussel spat hatchery in Canterbury, and a 2,500 hectare marine farm for finfish could be approved by next year.

New Zealand blueberries have received a duty-free agreement to export to South Korea, potentially generating $5 million in annual export opportunities. New Zealand blueberry growers will face significant competition in South Korea from local producers and lower-priced exporters like Chile, so they must demonstrate their product is worth paying a premium.

Cutting-edge research and technology for the future of New Zealand’s wine industry was showcased at the inaugural Research & Innovation Forum. Key speakers covered a range of topics ranging from data management and digital-driven productivity to enzyme potential, genetic advancements, and strategies for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The Growing Future Farmers Programme (GFF) has received a record 131 applications for the 2025 programme intake. The two-year workplace training programme transitions young people between the ages of 16 and 21 into the agricultural sector. GFF is encouraging sheep and beef farmers to join the programme to meet increasing student demand.

In international news...

The European Union have agreed to a 12-month delay of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which requires proof that agricultural commodities are not produced from recently deforested land. The European Commission has also published a methodology for classifying countries as either low, standard, or high risk, responding to calls to recognise the different levels of compliance globally.

Organisations representing farmers and agricultural workers have written to the European Commission, demanding the addition of ‘purchase prices below production costs’ to the blacklist of the Unfair Trading Practices directive. They hope to secure fair incomes and better living conditions for farmers, who earn just 47% of the average European Union wage. They warned that without changes, it will be difficult for producers to continue farming.

In Ireland, a national roadshow to promote greater inclusivity in farming has been launched by the Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group. Aligned with the government's National Women in Agriculture Action Plan, the initiative is designed to showcase the vital contribution of women to Irish farming, and collaborate on advancing the inclusion of women in agriculture.

The port strike in the United States has ended with a tentative wage agreement between the workers union and the United States Maritime Alliance. This marks an end to the first coast-wide strike since 1977 at ports from Maine to Texas, which began on 1 October. The strike focused on wages and benefits for workers, the union secured a 61.5% wage increase over six years in the agreement. 

NZ polymer douses smoke taint in wine [8 October, Rural News]

Wine science researchers from the University of Adelaide have discovered that a polymer developed in New Zealand can effectively remove smoke taint from wine, a billion-dollar issue caused by wildfires. Wines made from grapes exposed to smoke result in an acrid, ashy aroma, taste, and mouthfeel that compromises quality and reduces value, often making them unsaleable. Researchers developed molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) beads, which when added to affected wine specifically target and remove 35−57% of the volatile phenols responsible for the ashy taste Original full article here

Tags: wine; smoke taint; molecularly imprinted polymer

Hurricane Helene causes billions in ag damage [2 October, Successful Farming]

Hurricane Helene has caused extensive damage to agricultural commodities in the southern states of the US. Crops most affected were cotton, pecans, poultry, and timber, with estimated crop losses potentially reaching US$7 billion (NZ$11.4 billion) in insurance payouts. Property damage is expected to range from US$15 billion to US$26 billion (NZ$24.5 to NZ$42.4 billion), with total economic losses estimated between US$95 billion to US$110 billion (NZ$154.8 to NZ$179.3 billion) for the US. Lawmakers are calling for urgent disaster relief aid to support affected farmers and rural communities. Original full article here

Tags: agricultural damage; crop loses; insurance payouts extreme weather events

California Just Became the First State to Ban Sell-By Dates [4 October, Food and Wine]

California became the first US state to ban "sell-by" dates, introducing legislation to combat food waste. From 1 July 2026, all food products, except infant formula, eggs, beer, and malt beverages, must use standardised labels. Food will need to have "Best if Used By" to indicate peak quality or "Use By" for food safety dates. The new law aims to reduce food waste by eliminating consumer confusion over date labels, potentially saving 70,000 tonnes of food annually and US$300 million (NZ$488.91 million) for consumers in California alone, while also reducing methane emissions from decomposing food in landfills. Original full article here

Tags: legislation; sell-by dates; food waste; food safety 

Revo Foods opens ‘world’s largest’ 3D food printing facility in Vienna [3 October, FoodBev Media]

An Austrian plant-based seafood start-up, Revo Foods, has opened the world's largest industrial facility for 3D food printing in Vienna, called the "Taste Factory." This facility uses Revo Foods' in-house 3D Structuring Technology to produce up to 60 tonnes of 3D-printed food products monthly, making it the first site in the world to apply 3D food printing on a large scale according to Revo. Unlike traditional industrial production methods that involve high temperatures and pressure, Revo Foods' technology operates under milder conditions preserving more micronutrients. Original full article here 

Tags: 3D food printing; plant based; 3D Structuring Technology

CJEU finds imports must comply with EU rules to use organic logo
[7 October, Agriland]

The Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) has ruled that imported food can only use the EU’s organic production logo if it meets all the requirements under EU law, even if the country of origin’s standards are recognised as equal to the EU. This prohibition also extends to the use of terms referring to organic production, although the country's own organic logo can still be used within the EU. The ruling was clarified after German authorities ordered a fruit juice manufacturer to remove the EU organic logo from its product, as it contained non-plant vitamins. The court stated that allowing non-compliant products to use the EU organic logo would undermine fair competition and potentially mislead consumers. Original full article here

Tags: Food labelling, organic logo, European Union