We planted pine in response to Cyclone Bola – with devastating consequences. It is now time to invest in natives

by Editor | Feb 27, 2023 | Opinion

The slash devastation in Tairāwhiti reflects poor decisions to clear native forest off steep, erodible hill country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which was also encouraged by the government of the day. It’s time to change that approach, writes David...

The ag-tech revolution can help our climate response: let’s speed it up

by Editor | Feb 23, 2023 | Opinion

Agriculture is facing a huge problem with climate change. It’s also facing opportunities for growth and leadership. The ag-tech revolution is underway but it could be so much faster, says Rohan MacMahon, co-founder of Climate Venture Capital Fund As I write...

Avocado industry can lead sustainability on a world stage, says World Avocado Congress keynote

by Editor | Feb 22, 2023 | News

Renowned sustainable business leader and entrepreneur Florence Van Dyke walks the talk when it comes to demonstrating sustainable leadership. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming World Avocado Congress, Van Dyke will address the future of food, climate change and...

A focus on methane is distracting us from the real culprit of climate change: carbon

by Editor | Feb 16, 2023 | Opinion

Climate scientist Kevin Trenberth warns that obsessing on cow burbs risks missing the real source of  global heating: fossil fuels.   New Zealand, where agriculture is one of the largest contributors to climate change, is proposing a levy on cow burps. The reason...

After the flood – four ways to think about the future of growing food

by Vincent Heeringa | Feb 9, 2023 | Opinion

If the rain that deluged Auckland is the ‘new normal’, how are hard-hit growers meant to think about the future? Can they grow anything in the ‘normal’ way again? Vincent asks senior cropping scientist Brent Clothier what he’s telling his clients about the...