T&G’s Lotatoes have fended off four other food innovators to win The Ministry for Primary Industries Primary Sector Products Award at the 2017 New Zealand Food Awards Reports.

The category promotes, recognises and showcases innovations in primary sector products, processing and packaging methods.

“Lotatoes are sustainably grown right here in New Zealand by passionate farmers loved by kiwi consumers. We’re extremely proud to win at the 2017 New Zealand Food Awards,” says Andrew Keaney, executive general manager, T&G who accepted the top award.

“Having judges recognise Lotatoes confirms we’re is on the right track, so hats off to the dedicated teams from T&G and our growing partners Balle Brother and Masters Produce for getting Lotatoes from the soil to the supermarket shelves.”

This potato, which has 40% less carbs and fewer calories than other potato varieties, was developed by cross-breeding different varieties of potato seeds together.

The seeds have a shorter, more sustainable, growth cycle using less water than traditional spuds making them better for the environment, T&G told FreshPlaza.

| A T&G release published in FreshPlaza  ||  October 13,  2017   |||

A new biocontrol Tamarixia trioaze, a parasitoid wasp which destroys the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) pest, has been released in Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury.

These initial releases are the start of a wider planned release and monitoring programme that is being supported with funding through the government’s Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).

The Tomato Potato Psyllid has caused enormous problems for the potato, tomato, capsicum and tamarillo growers in New Zealand since it was discovered here in 2006.

Since then, the industry has been waging a battle to control this insect pest. Tamarixia, a tiny wasp that lays its eggs on the psyllid, which then hatch and eat the psyllid, is a biological control option. Tamarixia is found in the USA and Mexico as a naturally occurring parasitoid of Tomato Potato Psyllid.

The Tamarixia were released onto African boxthorn - a TPP overwintering host, as there are currently no host crops such as potatoes or tomatoes in the ground.

The industry groups involved are now looking at ways of ensuring a supply of Tamarixia will be available for release by commercial growers this summer.

The application to release Tamarixia by Horticulture New Zealand's Vegetable and Research Innovation Board on behalf of industry groups including Potatoes New Zealand, Tomatoes NZ, Vegetables New Zealand, the NZ Tamarillo Growers Association and Heinz-Wattie’s NZ Ltd., was approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in June 2016.

| A HorticultureNZ TomatoNZ release  ||  October 12,  2017   |||

Leading food company Alliance Group announced today it is investing $54 million in capital expenditure in the co-operative over the next year as its annual road-show is held across the country. Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the success of the business strategy meant the co-operative was in a position to re-invest in continuing to build the company’s operational performance. In addition to a pool payment, the company will have a bonus share issue and reward farmer shareholders by increasing their shareholding in the co-operative. The level will be based upon the supply of lambs, sheep, cattle, calves and deer during the 2017/18 season. “Alliance is now a much fitter co-operative as a result of our focus on lifting efficiency and improving sales and marketing,” said Mr Surveyor. “We are making good progress against our key measures with a stronger balance sheet, improved profitability and better livestock pricing for farmers. “We’re working hard to ensure our improvements are sustainable through further investment, growing our value add and building our organisational capability.: The co-operative was encouraged by its health and safety performance with the Total Recordable Injuries Frequency Rate improving by 42% year on year. “Looking after our people is the right thing to do. We have made good progress, but there is still some way to go. We were unfortunately reminded of that by a serious accident at our Smithfield plant in March.” As part of the strategy programme, Alliance Group has made significant investments in technology and operational improvements, lifting processing and productivity across its plants and incorporating best practice from around the world, said Mr Surveyor. That included new primal cutters and middles technology at the Dannevirke plant, a range of investments to lift the recovery of “5th quarter” products, improving chiller performance, investing in the Pukeuri plant beef chain and packaging innovations. The co-operative expected to make further gains as a result of its recent acquisition of Singapore-based marketing and sales company Goldkiwi Asia, which will be known as Alliance Asia. Alliance is focused on being a co-operative and supporting New Zealand’s best farmers. “We are doing a better job of rewarding loyal shareholders. More frequent minimum price contracts are helping provide our farmers with certainty. However, there is still some work to do in this area and our prime beef performance needs to be lifted.” Alliance is continuing to maximise the schedule price to farmers, he said. Meanwhile, James Ogden is to retire as an Alliance director at the end of his term of appointment on 30 November. He will be replaced by Peter Schuyt. Mr Schuyt is an experienced independent director on a range of New Zealand businesses including Tatua Co-Operative Dairy Company, TSB Bank Ltd and Foodstuffs North Island Ltd. He has also held senior executive roles at the New Zealand Dairy Board, Fonterra and the NZ Post Group. Mr Schuyt is a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. The annual roadshow programme, covering the North and South Islands, began in Dannevirke on 2nd October and finishes in Fortrose on 19 October.

| An Alliance release  ||  October 6,  2017   |||

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a trans-Tasman regulatory body, has approved 6 lines of GE potatoes (A1139) carrying genes from viruses and bacteria to stop discoloration and alter vital nutritional components [1]. The NZ Minister for Food Safety has let down NZ consumers yet again by failing to carry out a thorough public safety evaluation.

The joint submission from GE-Free NZ and Soil and Health highlighted many studies that show harm from eating GE foods, which FSANZ has dismissed and ignored. [2]

The FSANZ decision states, “No public health and safety concerns have been identified in relation to food derived from the potatoes developed by the Applicant.” This statement is highly misleading and contravenes a “duty of care” to the consumer. FSANZ openly acknowledges it does not require feeding trials or genomics testing.

“How can FSANZ give consumers an assurance of safety when they do not require any animal or human feeding studies? There is no evidence that the potatoes are safe to eat,” said Claire Bleakley, president of GE-Free NZ.

The FSANZ decision has dismissed submitters' concerns calling them “campaign targeting”. The agency has rejected all requests for feeding trials to see if the foreign DNA causes harm. Submitters cannot challenge the agency's decision, because they have no jurisdiction to call for a review. Consumers are forced to accept that FSANZ can approve anything regardless of its dangers.

“The goodness in potatoes has been corrupted and now harbours unknown dangers,” said Claire Bleakley. “Consumers are also vulnerable, as the GE potatoes escape the labelling laws.”

These potatoes are aimed at fast food outlets and the frozen chip and crisps market. Any imports would include processed foods such as par-cooked frozen potato chips, crisps, flour, starch and alcohol. There is as yet no approval to grow GE potatoes in Australasia.

GE Free NZ asks all fast food outlets to ban the use of transgenic potatoes, as they are putting their customers at risk. There is no evidence that these GE potatoes are safe to eat.

References:[1] A1139 Approval Decision http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/applications/Documents/A1139_Approval%20Report.pdf[2] Joint submission to A1139 from GE Free NZ and Soil and health. http://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/A1139-GM-Potato-Application-Joint-Submission-GE-Free-NZ-and-Soil-Health.pdf

| A GE-Free NZ release  ||  October 2,  2017   |||

Synlait Milk, the South Island-based milk processor, will establish a research and development centre in Palmerston North to drive new product development, process technology and packaging.

Rakaia-based Synlait is partnering with Massey University and FoodPilot, which is located at the university's Palmerston North campus and houses the largest collection of pilot-scale food processing equipment in the southern hemisphere. The business-to-business dairy products manufacturer, which counts milk marketer A2 Milk as a key customer, announced last week that it's looking to enter the market for branded consumer products for the first time.

"Our goal is to become more profitable and diversified. Investing in our own research and development centre is an opportunity to explore new and unique ways to make the most from milk,” said Synlait managing director John Penno. "We will be developing intellectual property across our value chain, which aims to maximize value at every step, beginning behind the farm gate all the way through to providing market access for our customers."

Synalit will invest an initial $7 million this financial year to grow its research and category development capability and plans to double its investment over the next two years, he said.

"This is the first step for us as we progress towards new products, categories and markets in the future," Penno said. "We will need our capability in this area to continue evolving so we stay ahead of the game."

The shares last traded at $5.45, and have gained 75 percent this year.

| A Synlait release  ||  September 25,  2017   |||

Written by Rural News Group the red meat sector looks to government for action.  The red meat sector has eight key priorities and believes the next government can play a key role in bringing about positive change.

Environment

• Continuing to improve the sustainability of our production is a top priority. We are committed to improving our water quality and further reducing the sector’s GHG emissions.

Our leaders recently committed to bringing New Zealand’s rivers back to swimmable levels and we are working on further ambitious targets for the environment.

The incoming government can help by:

o Working with the sector to develop environmental policies focused on the outcomes we want to achieve and that recognise different farming systems can meet these outcomes in different ways.

o We need government support with research and the tools to give us answers on the best way to build productive, sustainable environment.

Trade

• We are an export-focused sector: 90% of NZ’s sheepmeat production and 83% of beef production is exported. We continue to face major tariff and non-tariff barriers around the world that affect our competitiveness.

The incoming government can help by:

o Continued leadership on trade liberalisation, including negotiating high quality FTAs and putting resources into tackling non-tariff barriers.

Food Safety

• Food safety is critical to the meat industry and for maintaining consumer confidence. NZ is recognised as a world leading in its industry and regulatory systems.

The incoming government can help by:

o Continuing to provide government services in an efficient and cost-effective way and to maintain the high performance of NZ’s regulatory system for food safety, market access and reputational reasons.

Biosecurity

• Incursions of pests and diseases are among the biggest risks to the sector and could be catastrophic to the NZ economy.

The incoming government can help by:

o Continuing to invest in a strong biosecurity system aimed at keeping pests and diseases out and working with industry to improve capability and systems to respond to those which arrive.

Animal Welfare

• NZ has high animal welfare standards. Farmers and meat processors work hard to ensure their animals are well cared for and treated humanely.

The incoming government can help by:

o Continuing to partner with the sector to enhance the animal welfare systems in NZ and promote NZ’s good reputation in this area.

Innovation

• Huge innovation and productivity improvements have occurred in the sheep and beef sector, onfarm and in processing. The sector is committed to striving for further improvements.

The incoming government can help by:

o Continuing to partner with the sector and ensuring its investment strategies include long-term support for sheep and beef sector innovation and growth.

Employment

• We represent NZ’s largest manufacturing industry and our processing companies employ some 25,000 people nationwide. We strive to employ NZers first. Every year, however, we need to bring in about 100 Halal slaughterers to support a fundamental component of the industry’s business model and to meet Halal regulatory requirements. The processes for this are lengthy and complex and expose the industry to significant risk.

The incoming government can help by:

o Putting Halal slaughterers on the long-term skills shortage list or finding other practical solutions to provide a secure pathway to source necessary workers from overseas.

Health & Safety and Training

• Working with livestock and machinery means the sector has health and safety hazards that need to be well managed. Industry leaders are committed to improving the sector’s health and safety performance and creating a safer work place.

• Having a skilled workforce is extremely important to the sector and we are investing in training systems to upskill workers, promulgate industry standards and promote the sector as a career pathway.

The incoming government can help by:

o Supporting a strong partnership between WorkSafe NZ and industry; and

o Supporting the sector in developing new qualifications to accelerate career pathways and maintaining and expanding the funding model with the Primary ITO.

| A RuralNews release  ||  September 21,  2017   |||

Leading food company Alliance has acquired the business of Goldkiwi Asia, a Singapore -based marketing and sales company, as it seeks to capture more value from its markets in Asia.

Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the new business will be known as Alliance Asia.

Goldkiwi Asia is well established and has built sound customer relationships in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia since the early 1990s.

Mr Surveyor said the acquisition represents an important step in the company’s vision to create a stronger co - operative to benefit its 5,000 farmer shareholders and staff.

The acquisition will position Alliance directly in the market a nd accelerate the co-operative’s understanding and responsiveness to its Asia - based customers. “This will ensure we are now closer than ever to our Asian customers and end - consumers with our new Asian headquarters in Singapore connecting us to some of the world’s largest populations and their growing demand for quality foods.

It will also lift Alliance’s visibility and engagement across all steps of the supply chain.”

Alliance has worked closely with Goldkiwi Asia for more than 25 years and the company has played a key role in building Alliance’s presence in the region, he said. “This is a proven relationship and a natural next step in our strategy. Goldkiwi Asia has supported our strategic co-operation with our important Chinese in - market partner Grand Farm. This will continue as we seek to improve the returns and add value to both businesses.”

Goldkiwi Asia staff will transfer to Alliance Asia.

Paul Stephens, Founder and Director of Goldkiwi Asia, said: “The acquisition is at the right time for the business. We are moving up the value chain and we are driven to secure a better return. “Consumers want to know more – not just about the food, but also its story.

Alliance is 100% owned by farmers, who take great care and know their craft. This resonates with consumers.” Mr Surveyor said Alliance Group is developing new approaches to retail and e-commerce and product development in the Asia markets over the coming year.

“We are matching our products with markets which requires investment in product development, packaging and services.”

| An Alliance Group release  ||  September 20,  2017   |||

New Zealand company Ubco will officially unveil its newest electric farm bike on the first day of the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland

Ubco’s 2018 dual electric drive (2X2) utility bike aims to allow farmers to ride silently alongside their herd while saving on costs and reducing environmental damage.

In the past, the Kiwi company has received acclaim for previous models of the bike in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Ubco chose to unveil its new model for the first time in Ireland “due to its influential farming community and its suitability for the Irish market”.

The bike reportedly produces no emissions, has no external drivetrain or combustion engine, doesn’t flood when laid on its side and weighs only 63kg.

The bike is also “extremely economical”, costing less than €1/120km to run, the manufacturer claims.

Commenting on the global launch, Ubco CEO Timothy Allan said: “The new 2018 2X2 is designed to take riders further than ever before, allowing them to also explore an on-road environment.

There’s no compromise on power and grunt, but you also have greater control off-road when going up-hill, through mud and forest tracks, or over unsealed roads.

“Aside from that, it’s whisper-quiet – so you can enjoy the environment as you ride.”

Allan also claims that the near-silent running of this cross-paddock transport also creates less stress for stock, as well as maintenance costs being greatly reduced.

According to Ubco, the bike’s lightweight frame and low centre of gravity also make it a safer option than a traditional quad bike.

The electric bike has a range of 120km, with a charge time of between six and eight hours. It also has a top speed of 45kph. Ubco will be located in the New Zealand Pavilion at Stand 268, Row 11, Block 3 at the ‘Ploughing’ site in Co. Offaly.

 Leinster Leader - The latest in sensor technology systems, seed drills, rotary milking systems and even a dual electric drive utility bike will be on show as New Zealand agritech returns to Ireland following a successful presence at the National Ploughing Championships in 2016.

The strong agricultural partnership between New Zealand and Ireland will continue to prosper as 13 leading New Zealand agricultural companies descend on Screggan for the 2017 National Ploughing Championships.

Companies such as world-leading in-shed farm automation technology provider LIC Automation (Saber) and specialist seed drill manufacturers, Duncan Ag and Aitchison will return for the second year running. As well as displaying their market leading technologies, they will introduce exciting new products to the Irish market for the first time.

The New Zealand pavilion will also feature some highly anticipated new additions, such as UBCO Bikes, manufacturers of dual electric drive, all terrain bikes and Waikato Milking Systems, leaders in advanced dairy technology.

Under the theme of smarter farming, the New Zealand pavilion aims to grow the longstanding and successful partnership of two leading agricultural nations. Farmers visiting the New Zealand pavilion will get an exclusive insight into the efficiencies and innovations of industry-leading products and how New Zealand and Ireland are working together to continuously improve and develop on-farm systems – working smarter, not harder.

Keeping in theme with smart technology, Irish farmers will be able to ‘virtually’ explore a New Zealand farm through a unique virtual reality (VR) experience.

Daniel Taylor, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland says:, ‘All of the companies representing some of the best of New Zealand agriculture are delighted to be back in Screggan this year following an excellent Ploughing Championships last year. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on our relationships developed last year and further growing our partnership with Irish farmers.”

“I am convinced that the shared experiences and similarities between farming in New Zealand and Ireland, coupled with the innovation our companies display, we will continue to forge a strong and mutually beneficial relationship for Irish and New Zealand agriculture,” says Mr Taylor.

Companies exhibiting at the New Zealand pavilion include:

   * LIC Automation, a world leader in integrated and innovative ‘Saber’ in-shed farm automation and sensor technology systems with a proud history dating back to 1909;   * UBCO Bikes, a newcomer to Screggan for 2017 UBCO manufacture dual electric drive, all terrain bikes for use around the yard and further afield. UBCO bikes come complete with power outlets and USB ports, as well as accessory lugs for equipment;   * Duncan Ag, market leaders in the manufacturing of robust and user-friendly machinery for seed drilling and forage feeding;   *Waikato Milking Systems, the third largest manufacturer globally of rotary milking systems provide advanced dairy technology options to simplify milking routines to ensure more efficient milking, better mastitis control and higher productivity; and,   * Aitchison, a company with a proud 40-year history of machinery manufacturing and specialising in seed drills and spreaders whose size, flexibility and rugged construction are well suited to the Irish market.

The New Zealand Pavilion will be located at stand 268, Row 11, Block 3 at the National Ploughing Championships from 19-21 September 2017, in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

| A LeinsterLeader release  |||  September 12,  2017   |||

FreshPlaza | A tech company that helps farmers improve crop yields will list on the Australian Securities Exchange today.

CropLogic has raised the $8 million it sought in an IPO, and said it was even offered $1 million on top of that during the offer period. Forty million ordinary shares will be issued at 20 cents each, and the business will have a market cap of $25 million.

The New Zealand “internet of things” agriculture tech company, established in 2010, uses on-field sensors connected via wireless and satellite channels to collect data such as soil moisture and temperature, and rainfall, alongside other information to give farmers a predictive analysis of their efforts.

CropLogic’s current client base is predominantly potato farmers in the Pacific northwest region of the USA after the startup’s June acquisition of US agronomy services provider Professional Ag Services Inc.

The first seven years have been a hard slog financially, with the prospectus showing just $124,906 in revenue and $1.34 million net loss for the year ending March 2017 and similar numbers seen the previous year.

The $8 million raised in the IPO – which added to $3 million already secured in the past 12 months — would be used for business growth, market development, research and to “provide a healthy level of working capital”, according to CropLogic managing director Jamie Cairns.

| A FreshPlaza release  ||  September 12,  2017   |||