Horticulture New Zealand is calling on the government to ensure changes to the Resource Management Act do not put domestic fruit and vegetable production at risk.
An assets market as "equally unpredictable" as cryptocurrencies could force a council-owned forestry company to dip further into debt to pay an $11 million dividend.
Poor lamb returns and fewer contracts for ryegrass seed crops are leading some Mid Canterbury mixed arable farmers to reduce lamb finishing numbers in favour of dairy grazing this season.
The government has announced an independent review of forestry's role in the Emissions Trading Scheme, saying owners have complained of "excessive costs".
Canterbury fruit and vegetable growers are the first to delve into HortNZ’s projects, sector support and an important levy at a series of meetings being held across the country.
Royalty fees are about to be enforced on farmers harvesting seed from protected wheat, barley and other crop varieties and saving it for future re-sowing.