From the Ground Up: Issue 120

Farmers who save and replant legally protected cereal varieties can voluntarily declare their usage and pay a breeder royalty. The declaration system applies to all farm saved seed barley, and to farmer saved wheat if the resultant wheat crop does not pass through an end-point royalty collection agent. 

The Environmental Protection Authority (“EPA”) published a Notice of Direction Prohibiting the Use and Requiring Disposal of Chlorpyrifos Containing Substances in the New Zealand Gazette on 1 September 2025.

Growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). Early reporting remains one of our strongest tools for protecting the industry.

Welcome to the spring 2025 edition of From the Ground Up

The FAR Nominations and Remunerations Committee (NRC) is calling for nominations to fill four grower director positions on the FAR Board from 1 January 2026. 

FAR levy payers can apply for a grant to attend international industry-related conferences/workshops/events, etc. Find the guidelines here. 

The EPA decision-making committee has determined that the risks associated with the use of chlorpyrifos outweigh the benefits.

Growers, maize seed companies and maize seed merchants will not have to pay the maize biosecurity levy for transactions conducted after 1st July 2025.

FAR combine harvester workshops have taken out the Technology Innovation Award at the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Award Ceremony.

The Board and staff of the Foundation for Arable Research are delighted to congratulate FAR CEO, Alison Stewart, on her appointment as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.