MAF Information Papers
(ISSN 1171-4654)
1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
2006
01 - Summary and Results of Operational Research projects 2004/2005 19 June 2006
This document provides a summary, and the results, of the operational research projects that were completed in 2004/05. The research covered soil and plant biosecurity, management and regeneration of indigenous forests, quarantine procedures, animal welfare issues and further developments in possum control.
2005
02 - A Re-assessment of the Stock Unit System 1 March 2005
The overall programme goal has been to assess the appropriateness of, and the need to modify, the existing stock unit system, taking into account changes in animal performance and livestock systems since the stock unit system was introduced, and the diverse needs of stakeholders/users.
03 - Costs of Compliance for Achieving Biosecurity Clearance October 2005
This review has developed an approach for systematically identifying, and recording, compliance activities associated with achieving biosecurity clearance and for estimating the additional costs associated with those activities. The intention is that the approach can be further refined, and cost estimates updated, as new information comes to hand.
2004
55 - 2003/04 Research Final Report Summaries
December 2004
54 - Research in Progress 2004/2005 Operational Research Objectives
December 2004
53 - A Study of Smallholdings and their Owners
For the purposes of this study, smallholdings were defined as blocks between 0.4 hectares (ha) and 30 ha in area. Those involved in the study self-identified from five distinct types provided within the questionnaire (lifestyler, hobby farmer, small farmer, farmer, horticulturalist/grower) that engage in different levels of agricultural production.
52 - Varroa National Pest Management Strategy Proposal [210K PDF]
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Report on Recommendations of the Board of Inquiry
August 2004
The purpose of this report is to consider the report and recommendations of the Board of Inquiry (BoI) into the varroa National Pest Management Strategy (NPMS) Proposal (the Proposal), as required by section 69(1)(a)(ii) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act).
Review of History and Basis of 1969 Order in Council Allowance for Irrigation Opportunities
January 2004
Government directed Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to commission a review of the history and basis of the allowance for irrigation opportunities in the Waitaki catchment as provided for by the 3rd Schedule of the 1969 Order in Council.
2003
48 - Analysis of Submissions: Review of Ruminant Protein Regulations
September 2003
In September 2002, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) released a discussion paper (No.34) titled "Review of Ruminant Protein Regulations" and invited public submissions. This document summarises the issues raised in the submissions and presents MAF's comments and analysis.
46 - An Introduction to Phytosanitary Certification for the Export of Plants & Plant Products from New Zealand [75K PDF]
August 2003
This document has been developed to provide an introduction to:
- New Zealand's obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for phytosanitary (plant health) certification.
- New Zealand's Export Phytosanitary Certification System.
2001/2002
45 - The Impact of Incentives on the Development of Plantation Forest Resources in New Zealand
August 2002
44 - New Zealand's Forest Growing & Wood Processing Sectors Regional Study - West Coast
November 2001
39 - New Zealand's Forest Growing & Wood Processing Sectors - Regional Study Canterbury
April 2001
38 - New Zealand's Forest Growing & Wood Processing Sectors - Regional Study Nelson/Marlborough
January 2001
This publication covers the forest growing and wood processing sectors in the Nelson/Marlborough Region. It provides key statistics and text on the sectors owners, production, infrastructure and contacts for forest industry organisations.
36 - Guides for Drafting Codes of Welfare [115K PDF]
May 2001
2000
35 - Research in Progress 2000
December 2000
34 - Management Options for Harmful Organisms Under the Biosecurity Act 1993
October 2000
1999
31 - Research Results - 1998/99 Research Final Report Summaries
December 1999
30 - Animal Products Act 1999 Guide for Exporters
November 1999
28 - Research in Progress - 1999/2000 Research Objectives
November 1999
27 - Guide to the Animal Welfare Act 1999
December 1999
26 - Risk Management Programmes Under the Animal Products Bill 1998
February 1999
This paper discusses risk management programmes under the then proposed Animal Products Bill 1998. Under these programmes are three types of control schemes: risk management programmes (RMPs; a documented programme to manage those aspects of production and processing within the scope and control of the business, so as to deliver products that are fit for their intended purpose)); the Regulated Control Schemes (a monitoring and control programme to manage risks where RMPs would not be feasible or practicable); and the Official Assurance Safeguards (to ensure overseas requirements are consistently met). Overall, these programmes aim to manage: risks to human and animal health resulting from biological, chemical or physical hazards; risks to overseas market access and integrity of assurances; risks from misleading labelling; and risks to the wholesomeness of the animal material or product.
1998
25 - Planning a Rural Seminar
ISSN 1171-4654; ISBN 0-478-07988-5 October 1998
Cumberworth, S.
Prepared from experiences by the North Canterbury Drought Seminar Committee. Central to the success of any seminar is having a clear purpose and aims (why the event is to be run, i.e., its purpose, who it's targeted at, and what the desired outcome is). Initial planning should begin at least 6-8 weeks in advance. To spread the workload, a large number of people need to involved at the outset (however, their roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined from the outset as well). Timing is important: giving attendees plenty of time to plan their attendance, and running the seminar at a time that makes it easy for your intended audience to attend. Other sections of the report deal with issues like speakers, ‘drawcard' performers, refreshments, sponsors, budget, child care, publicity, sound systems and visual aids, security, car parking, media coverage on the day, and contingency planning.
24 - Survey of Compliance Costs of New Zealand Farmers : A Study of Costs and an Exploration of Issues
November 1998
23 - Facts at their Fingertips: Knowledge and Skills for Sustainable Land Management in South Island Hill and High Country
ISSN 1171-4654; ISBN 0-478-07982-6 October 1998
Mulcock, C.; Ensor, A
High country farmers do not question the need for sustainable land management practices, but they do need some assistance. This project aimed to review best management practices; identify barriers to the uptake of these practices; and come up with some practical recommendations. Data was gathered from two workshops. Government and farmers tend to want different outcomes from sustainable land management practices, but the two do not seem to be irreconcilable. On-farm, the main barrier to uptaking best practices is that farmers find it hard to get relevant, timely and trusted information in ways that they can use in their own decision making. Key areas where immediate effort is required includes: ready access to existing information, upskilling/educating farmers, and presenting facts appropriately for on-farm use. Recommendations are: develop processes that enable land managers to readily access and use existing information; provide new information/tools to complement existing information; and provide regular scientific assessment of the resource base.
22 - Proposed Coverage of the Animal Products Bill
December 1998
This paper (in seven sections) sets out the proposed likely coverage of the Animal Products Bill, before the parliamentary process took place. Section 1 talks generally about this Bill: potentially, it covers all animal material and products that are traded and used in NZ or exported from NZ (aside from some exemptions). Sections 2, 3 and 5 deal with the phases of processing animal material that the proposed Bill covers. Section four documents the point at which the proposed bill interfaces with other New Zealand law. Section six provides specific reference to the coverage of primary producers of animal material; and section seven sets out the safeguards for official assurances for export animal products.
21 - Research in Progress 1998/99 Research Objectives
October 1998
August 1998
In Israel, the Citrus Board was deregulated in 1991 (as was the Wheat Board in Argentina); and all boards were deregulated in South Africa by January 1998. Deregulation in all three countries followed both sectorial and economy-wide problems. Israeli reforms resulted in, for example, more exports, more direct marketing to retailers, and a range of efficiency gains. However, the underlying legislation wasn't a part of the reform process, so the Israeli experience is not thought to be a good model for other countries. South African reforms have motivated existing companies to do more to maintain their existing market share, and have encouraged new companies to set up in competition. South African reforms are viewed as a good model: government provided the policy framework, but largely left industries to follow its own course; the pace of reform was clearly set down; and a national body (representing interested parties) was established to smooth the transition to the new regime. Argentinian reforms re-vitalised the industry. All three case studies showed benefits, and they all show the importance of governments being clear and consistent about their policy goals.
19 - Meeting the Challenge - Lessons from previous droughts
July 1998
This paper sets out the key factors contributing to a strong and sustained recovery of the farm business from a drought. That is, business management (e.g., cutting costs quickly), business structure, farm management (e.g., selling stock early), warning bells (signs that all is not well), human factors, and animal welfare.
18 - Review of the Regulatory Structure of the New Zealand Raspberry Industry
June 1998
1997
17 - Research in progress: 1997/98 Research Objectives
November 1997
16 - Regulatory Structure of the New Zealand Hop Industry
September 1997
14 - Users Guide to the Commodities Levies Act 1990
ISSN 1171-4654; ISBN 0-478-07434-4 July 1997
This Act sets out the parameters enabling an industry organisation, representing a distinct group of potential levy payers, to impose a levy on a commodity (the prospective levy payers would be the producers of the commodity). This paper (written from the perspective of an industry organisation) sets out the steps that should be taken: before making the application; when making their application, and the systems that should be put in place for after the Levy has been imposed (the legal mechanism for putting in place a Levy is called the Levy Order). Before applying for such an Order the organisation has to satisfy certain government and Ministerial requirements, and needs to have consulted with the various affected parties. When making an application, there are certain Ministerial requirements that need to be fulfilled, and what the Levy Order is contains needs to be very clearly stated. Finally, thought needs to be given to what happens after the Order has been put in place, for example, ensuring appropriate auditing and reporting systems are put in place.
1996
13 - Research in progress: 1996/97 research objectives funded by MAF
November 1996
12 - Principles and practices of agricultural extension
John Greer and Glen Greer June 1996
New Zealand has moved away from using direct subsidies and regulations as the means of achieving community changes that are required to meet policy objectives. Thus, extension programmes, which encourage changes by demonstrating the benefits of behaviour changes, are becoming increasingly important. Also, the responsibility for making these changes happen is increasingly being devolved away from central government, e.g., to regional and district councils. This booklet is a practical handbook for those new to the field. It: presents an overview of the theory and principles of extension and behaviour change; presents some tips on planning and implementing extension programmes; provides a list of appropriate contact people and resources; and references some of the existing resource material.
12(a) - Conservation and use of plant genetic resources: national report for New Zealand
ISSN 1171-4654; ISBN 0-478-07424-7 June 1996
Bernie Warmington, Gill Cole and Grant King
This paper served as a background report for an FAO international conference. For each major plant type issues like conservation activities and threats to conservation and sustainable use are discussed. National programmes and policies (regarding conservation and sustainable use of resources), and the legislation underpinning them, is also discussed. The paper ends by briefly dealing with the issues of international co-operation, national needs and opportunities, and proposals for a global plan of action. Seven tables at the end of the paper summarises NZ's plant genetic resources. One table, for example, looks at a range forest trees in terms of factors such as living collections, seed storage, value and uniqueness, documentation, and location of resources.
1995
11 - Agricultural Compounds Bill: information bulletin
ISBN 0-478-07392-5 January 1995
This paper provides a general summary of Government decisions made on the contents of the Agricultural Compounds Bill.
10 - Decision support systems: a catalogue of software for on-farm use
ISBN 0-478-07388-7 September 1995
This paper provides a catalogue of software packages for New Zealand farmers and growers. A brief description of each package is given along with the contact name, address, phone and fax number from whom it is available.
1994
9 - A review of the RRU Programme: "The development and assessment of policy impacting on the servicing infrastructure of the rural sector".
ISBN 0-478-07386-0 November 1994
This review of the RRU programme: "The Development and Assessment of Policy Impacting on the Servicing Infrastructure of the Rural Sector", looks at the RRU's involvement in the provision of Government services to rural people. This aspect of the RRU's work recognises that the prospects of farmers and orchardists are tied to the ability of their communities to provide infrastructural support through services to farm families, the farm, processing and distribution sectors. The report lists the issues as seen by the RRU after discussion with rural people concerned; outlines Government's policy on providing the service; and notes the involvement by the RRU in facilitating improvements in service provision.
8 - Review of the RRU programme: integrated rural development
ISBN 0-478-07376-3 June 1994
Integrated rural development is the process which aims to draw communities out of economic decline and enables growth potential of local resources to be identified and realised by judicious investment. Such development requires a shared vision and approach between the government (in its various parts) on one hand and local people on the other. MAF's Rural Resources Unit (RRU) has a responsibility for integrated rural development. This review traces the background to the RRU's involvement, work undertaken to date, and some ideas for the future.
7 - Users guide to the Commodities Levies Act 1990
ISBN 0-478-07370-4 September 1994
The Commodity Levies Act 1990 enables an industry organisation that represents a distinct group of prospective levy payers to impose a compulsory levy on a commodity by means of an Order in Council. To avoid adverse impacts on aspects of liberty, equity and efficiency, safeguards built into the Act have resulted in a large number of procedural requirements. This paper is a guide to the procedures that an organisation must follow in applying for a commodity levy.
1993
6 - Strategic directions for fisheries operational research contracted by MAF Policy
ISBN 0-478-07347-X October 1993
This is an update on information paper number 5 for the six year period 1994 to 1999. The document was developed for three purposes. Firstly to outline the direction of fisheries research over the period; secondly, to serve as a framework from which annual operational research plans and longer-term research programmes can be revised, and thirdly to provide a mechanism by which clients and stakeholders can contribute to changes in the strategic direction of fisheries operational research.
5 - Strategic directions for fisheries operational research 1993- 1998
ISBN 0-478-07317-8 September 1993
This document was developed for three purposes. Firstly, to outline the direction of fisheries research over the next 6 years; secondly, to serve as a framework from which annual operational research plans and 3 year research programmes can be derived; and thirdly, to provide a mechanism by which clients and stakeholders can contribute to changes in the strategic direction of fisheries operational research.
4 - Synopsis of submissions in MAF policy paper 106
Jeremy Neild
ISBN 0-477-08553-9 May 1993
This paper summarised 84 submissions received from government departments and agencies, local government organisations, land owner/user representative groups, university departments, professional societies, environmental groups and individuals. There was a diverse range of opinion regarding sustainability of present farming systems.
3 - Summary and synopsis of submissions on MAF policy public discussion paper 2: reform of regulation of agricultural compounds
Jeremy Neild and Tanira Kingi
ISBN 0-478-07317-8 February 1993
This paper summarised 50 submissions from manufacturers, distributors and retailers, user groups, government agencies, research groups and individuals. Submissions were analysed according to 10 main headings and sorted by issue and by source category (respondent).
MAF Policy Position Papers
(ISSN 1171-4948)
ISBN 0-477-08560-1 March 1993
This paper sets out Government's position on sustainable agriculture and the landcare approach, and describes the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. A definition and interpretation of sustainable agriculture is provided. The paper cites the need for a partnership between producers, community groups and central and local government.
2 - Towards sustainable agriculture: organic farming
Gill Rusbridge
ISBN 0-478-0737-4 June 1994
This paper states how MAF views the contribution that organic farming can make to achieve more sustainable agriculture including improved environmental outcomes and increased export opportunities. Identifying constraints on the further development of organic farming, this paper states MAF's position and the actions MAF will take in regard to organic farming. The paper takes account of the 81 submissions received in response to an earlier discussion
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