Episode 64 – Gene editing in agriculture: Navigating risks and regulation
In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp speaks with two professors with expertise in gene editing about New Zealand’s proposed gene editing legislation. Professor Jack Heinemann discusses why the concerns about the details of the Gene Technology Bill are crucial for the likes of Fonterra. He highlighted risks around traceability and the increased level of compliance for farmers and the potential limitations of trade access.
Professor David Williams, with his expertise in gene editing, warns of potential unintended consequences and GMO contamination, advocating for a robust regulatory framework to safeguard farmers and the environment. Together, they explore the need for careful oversight in the evolving field of gene editing at the Bill works through the submission process.
Down the drain – wool wins
Research has confirmed wool’s biodegradability, Joanna Grigg writes.
Proposal not cautious enough
The Government has released its proposals for agricultural emissions charges as part of climate change mitigations. Joanna Grigg reports on the proposals and their conflicts with the industry’s He Waka Eke Noa suggestions.
Planting brings multiple benefits
Poplar poles and native plants are making their mark on a North Canterbury farm. By Sandra Taylor.
After drought, the deluges
Between droughts and floods, a mix of work and play remains a priority for a young family on Banks Peninsula. By Annabelle Latz.
Collaboration key in sheep industry
Wellington sheep and beef farmer Hamish Best represented New Zealand in the 2024 Global Sheep Forum Next Generation programme earlier this year. Collaboration between countries was a major theme of the forum. Words Hamish Best.
Genetics and quality feed drive growth
Farming in tough Otago country has its challenges, but careful stock selection and the ability to change direction when necessary is proving successful for a Southland couple. By Annabelle Latz.
Mortality needs culture shift
Sheep mortality in lambing could be compared to the negativity associated with bobby calves, a Marlborough farmer warns. Joanna Grigg reports.
Autumn is my favourite time of year
Anna Munro is a mum, farmer and rural photographer based in Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury.
NZ is going to the dogs
North Otago farmer Jane Smith is boiling-mad over many government proposals and worried about the damage reforms will do to NZ farms, farmers and the economy.
Spare a thought for Ukrainian farmers
The speed at which so many world events slip into the past, it is only the really big events that stand out and anchor themselves in our memories, Nick Loughnan writes.
A random single event
Paul Burt takes a break from dagging ewes and contemplates the randomness of existence.
Here come the reading glasses
Wairarapa farmer Mark Guscott finds age is catching up on him as he contemplates the pros and cons of the debate about genetic modification.
The value of non-financial reporting
Jemima Snook’s Kellogg Rural Leadership project report posed the question of how to generate value and improve sustainability from non-financial farm reporting. We share an insight into her findings.
A bit of Irish biffo
Billboards in the Republic of Ireland are highlighting a big boxing match coming to town that is set to be quite controversial for the country’s livestock industry.
More in the tank to boost production
Tim and Binds White have knocked over a big prize by winning this year’s Keinzley Ag Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year Award.
Measuring inflation is no easy task
Dr Dennis Wesselbaum outlines how inflation is measured, its value, its flaws and ideas for better accuracy.
Looking for hidden kilos and dollars
Hill country farmers need to remember their main job is to cost effectively turn grass into saleable beef.
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Worried about security on farm?
Imagine being able to log on and check the fuel tank but see if the pivot is still turned on in the background, and that the trough isn’t leaking. Land Watch are rapidly growing eyes for farmers in more places than the back of their head!
Class of 2025: Meet the new industry leaders
A new year brings a fresh wave of new industry leaders. What attracted them to the role? What do they see as the biggest challenges and opportunities?
Feds make a case for banking sector reform
Richard McIntyre’s mobile phone runs hot with calls from farmers who are keen to share their war stories about how they have been treated by their bank. Words Tony Leggett.
Growth in golden grain
Arable farming in Rangitikei runs deep in the Nitschke family history. Tony Leggett investigates what is behind a phase of rapid expansion for the family’s grain business and what lies ahead. Photos Brad Hanson.
Sustainable finance
There is a strong correlation between on-farm performance and emissions intensity. A panel at the New Zealand Agriculture & Climate Change Conference 2024 discussed market drivers for agricultural emissions reduction – how are financial institutions influencing climate change actions by farmers? Words Rebecca Greaves.
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