Boost for New Sustainable Farming Projects
NEW ZEALAND - The new Zealand government is to grant NZ$7.8 million in new funding over four years through the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), to 29 new farming projects.
2 April 2015
1 minute read
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said: “These are grass-roots projects that support farmers, growers and foresters to tackle shared problems and develop new opportunities.
“They will deliver real economic, environmental and social benefits.
“For example, one project will develop industry tools for farmers to improve their farm practices to improve water quality and infrastructure, while reducing nutrient loss.
“Other projects aim to increase the productivity of onion and potato growers, improve farmer uptake of summer forages, and help tackle the risk of rot in apples.”
Co-funders will also invest $16.3 million in the 29 projects over four years.
“Over the past 15 years the SFF has invested over $120 million in 948 projects benefiting New Zealand’s primary industries including, dairy, meat, arable, forestry, horticulture and aquaculture.”
An evaluation of the SFF completed in early 2014 concluded that it is achieving its goals of funding projects that contribute to the economic, environmental and social well-being of New Zealand’s primary industries.
The projects range from water management and soil enrichment to sustainable sheep and beef farming practices and dairy herd management and to alternatives to neonicotinoids.
The next round of funding for the SFF will open in mid-2015.
To see the full list of projects click here
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