Ag Symposium hears from sector players who have experienced the ups and downs of the market. Link to full article Diversification no walk in the park for farmers (farmersweekly.co.nz)

Genetically modified products will be part of but not the complete solution to solving many of the world’s current and looming food and environmental problems, a leading scientist says. Link to full article GMOs a world food solution, not a problem (farmersweekly.co.nz)

Carbon-sequestering exotic tree plantations can be a transition to restoring native forests, new research has shown. Link to full article Ag Symposium shines light on exotic and native trees (farmersweekly.co.nz)

Professor Sara Walton, Otago Business School, University of Otago; and Co-Director, He Kaupapa Hononga Otago’s Climate Change Research Network, comments:

“Farming and agriculture plays a significant part in the Aotearoa New Zealand economy. Transitioning to low carbon in this sector is not an easy task and it is important for Fonterra and any large organisation in this sector to show leadership and work in partnership with suppliers and customers in their scope 3 emissions as they report in their latest publications.

Professor Craig Bunt, Division of Sciences, University of Otago; and Director, University of Otago Agricultural Innovation Programme, comments:

“Fonterra’s recent announcement regarding its climate plans and on-farm emissions targets is a commendable step toward addressing environmental concerns in New Zealand’s agricultural sector. However, it raises questions about the apparent reliance on technologies that have yet to be proven in the country’s agricultural system.

Link to full article Fonterra sets on-farm emissions targets – Expert Reaction – Science Media Centre

Student Georgie Burdon, who is studying agricultural innovation, wrote to the Ministry for Primary Industries last week outlining her concerns on the selection criteria for the ministry’s inaugural On Farm Support science scholarships. Link to full article Students want scholarship extended | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)

Dunedin has the potential to be a major centre of agritech innovation, Prof Craig Bunt believes. Link to full article Potential seen for city to become major agritech centre | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)