Research projects investigating pest and beneficial insects and seeking a better understanding of consumers of grain were just two of the six successful funding applications submitted to the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund by FAR.
Included in the over $25,000 section of the latest funding round were research projects which will focus on: how to reduce the environmental footprint of arable crops; what we must do to avoid glyphosate resistance here in NZ; building better biodiversity on arable farms; and a project which will look at ways in which we can manage grass grub - the number one soil-borne pest in NZ arable crops.
In the under $25,000 category, funding was granted that will assist with two areas of research: one will look at how farmers can maximise the quality of cereal silage at harvest; whilst the second, an extension based initiative will look at adding value to the New Zealand grains industry and at the same time raise awareness of the importance of grains in the human diet.FAR Chief Executive Nick Pyke says the selection committee has clearly recognised the importance of these diverse areas of research.
“For cropping to remain a sustainable industry, we need to ensure that the right research is undertaken and that good technical transfer is delivered to ensure growers will have the appropriate skills and knowledge for the future.”
For further information on these areas of research, please contact Rachel Greenwood at the FAR office on 03 345 5783.
MPI SFF invests $1m into FAR research and extension
