Field Notes Issue 739

In Aotearoa…

Alliance Group Limited, has secured approval for two of its plants to process and export chilled beef to China. The approval enhances the red meat cooperative’s ability to meet growing international demand, strengthening its global market options and supports its long-term strategy.

The government announced its second international climate target under the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce emissions by 51 to 55 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. The new target was developed following consultation with Māori, environmental groups, experts, industry, and Tokelau; as well as public feedback and independent advice from the Climate Change Commission.

The Ministry of Regulation is currently undertaking a review of the regulatory approval process for agricultural and horticultural products. A dozen organisations across the primary sector have co-signed a letter to ministers calling for the review to make the regulatory approval process transparent and consistent. There is currently a four-year backlog of over 100 applications awaiting approval.

In international news...

China's grain output looks set to reach a new record for the 2024-25 season with total production expected to hit 706.5 million tonnes, a 1.6% increase from last year. Higher yields and an expanded planted area have driven this growth, supporting Beijing's push for improved self-sufficiency in corn, rice, and wheat.

The European Commission has established a consultative body, the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) to provide high level advice to the Commission. Consisting of 30 member organisations from various stakeholder categories, EBAF will provide advice on strategic policy developments and ensure coherence between Union policies and private sector initiatives.

In the United Kingdom, a parliamentary committee is calling for a strategy to increase domestic food production by 30% by 2050, while reducing the environmental footprint by half. A new “Innovation Agenda for UK Agriculture” document outline’s the country’s high dependence on imports and the need for clear, long-term objectives to leverage agricultural innovation and support sustainable farming.

Meanwhile in Australia, a key oyster-growing region in southern Tasmania, is collapsing due to a mysterious illness decimating oyster stocks. Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is investigating oyster health and water quality in Pipe Clay Lagoon in the hope of identifying the cause of the mortalities.

Lean Red Meat: Scientists Uncover Surprising Secret to a Healthy Gut and Heart [SciTechDaily, 4 February]

A recent study by Purdue University highlights the health benefits of including lean red meat in a balanced diet. Researchers found that a consistent healthy dietary pattern, which included three ounces (85 grams) of lean red meat daily, promotes gut microbiota balance and supports cardiovascular health. The study tested "dietary pattern cycling"—adopting and periodically discontinuing the diet—on healthy young adults and discovered that each time the diet was followed, participants experienced beneficial shifts in gut bacteria and improvements in cardiovascular markers like low-density lipoprotein or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Original Full Article Here

Tags: red meat, gut bacteria, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

UAE: Viral Meliha Milk Brand Expands To Launch Laban Ahead Of Ramadan [Mena FN, 23 January]

In the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production has officially launched a new organic beverage, Meliha Laban (fermented milk drink), ahead of Ramadan this month. The company’s expansion is to address growing demand for organic products, with current capacity of 16,000 litres of fresh laban daily. Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production aims to double the farm's cow herd to 8,000 by year-end, supporting their goals of meeting local demand and supplying Gulf markets with high quality dairy  products. Original full article here

Tags: Meliha Laban (fermented milk drink),Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production, UAE

US sheep farmers show their hand on tariffs [Farmers Weekly, 4 February]

In the United States, sheep farmers are suggesting President Trump impose a 21% tariff on New Zealand and Australian lamb imports to protect their market share. The tariff suggested by the American Sheep Industry Association could significantly impact New Zealand farmers' by $130 million in tariff costs. Despite an increase in US lamb imports from New Zealand and Australia, US producers struggle to meet their high domestic demand. New Zealand industry representatives therefore maintain that increased sales to the US complement rather than compete with local production. Original full article here

Tags: US tariffs, sheep, protectionism

ACC, Safer Farms team up for better farm safety [Rural News Group, 4 February]

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Safer Farms have launched a new partnership aimed at reducing harm, injuries, and fatalities in the agriculture sector. Over the next five years, ACC is investing over NZ $11 million to support the Farm Without Harm strategy. In 2024, ACC handled over 17,116 new farming-related injury claims, spending more than NZ $124 million on recovery. Both organisations are confident this collaboration will translate into safer farming practises and reduced risks. Original Full Article Here

Tags: ACC, Safer Farms, farm safety

Challenges may lurk in ‘highly productive land’ maps [Farmers Weekly, 31 January]

Landowners and farmers across New Zealand with highly productive land will be receiving notifications from their regional councils by October 2025, following the outcome of land classification mapping. The 2022 National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land aims to protect high-value, food-producing land, recognising it as a finite resource. Classification as ‘highly productive’ limits land use, and could restrict future land use including development options. Regional councils will notify landowners of their land's status, with hearings available for those wishing to contest their classification. Original Full Article Here

Tags: 2022 National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land, land classification mapping