MAF Policy News
Issue 14, February 2009
ISSN 1177-701X
All about Land Use Capability
During March and April MAF is funding a series of Land Use Capability (LUC) awareness workshops around the country as part of its support for regional sustainable land management initiatives.
The LUC classification is a tool that is used to assess the capability of land for sustained production and its physical limitations. It's likely to be increasingly used by councils, central government and farm advisors - so if you work in a related environment attending a workshop may be useful.
The workshops will cover the basics of the recently updated LUC classification and its application and will be presented by Dr Grant Douglas (AgResearch) and Mr Garth Eyles (formerly of Hawkes Bay Regional Council, and expert in practical application of LUC).They will be held in Whangarei, Rotorua, Dannevirke, Marton, Stratford, Christchurch and Gore.
For more information
- Contact Russell Knutson, workshop coordinator at russell.knutson@maf.govt.nz
- Phone 07 957 8325 or visit here
Interest high in MAF Sustainable Farming Fund
Applications for the 2009/10 Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) grants closed on 5 February with 210 applications received, requesting a total of $38 million in funding.
The assessment panel will now consider all applications and a short-list will be drawn up by the end of March. SFF staff will then work closely with the applicant groups as they prepare more detailed Phase II applications. Final funding decisions will be made at the end of June, with commencement of funded projects taking place during July/August this year.
A list of projects funded by SFF, as well as useful resources produced as a result of these projects, can be downloaded from the website.
SFF projects are about practical, applied research and field demonstrations that bring together groups of farmers, researchers and industry people in the field.
Did you know:
- Since 2000, funding from the SFF has supported over 600 projects across the horticultural, agricultural and forestry sectors; enabling New Zealand's land-based primary sectors to tackle problems and develop new opportunities.
- Projects funded in the 2008 round are now well underway and include the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group "Grow Organic Dairy" and Irrigation New Zealand's "Code of Practice for Installation of Irrigation Systems" projects.
Amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991
The Government has recently announced a package of proposed amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991.
Key elements of the package are:
- removing frivolous, vexatious and anti-competitive objections;
- streamlining processes for projects of national significance;
- creating an Environmental Protection Authority;
- improving plan development and plan change processes;
- improving resource consent processes;
- streamlining decision making;
- improving workability and compliance;
- improving national instruments.
For more information
To read further about these changes go here
New publications
Auckland wood availability forecasts for the period 2008-2040
To assist with regional planning, MAF has compiled wood availability forecasts for the Auckland region, covering the period 2008 to 2040. These forecasts have been made in association with the region's major forest owners and show the range of volume potentially available from both large and small-scale growers.
The forecasts indicate that the availability of radiata pine from the Auckland region is expected to decline over the next three years and then remain constant, around 800 000 cubic metres per annum, until 2019. After 2019 wood availability is expected to return to current levels of around 1 million cubic metres per annum from 2022.
For more information
- To view or download a copy of the Auckland wood availability forecasts go here
- To view all wood availability forecasts go here
Statistical release now available for forestry production and trade for the September quarter 2008
The September 2008 quarter was varied. Log export volumes increased due to favourable exporting conditions, while sawn timber production decreased. Pulp production returned to previous levels of approximately 380 000 tonnes, after declining in the June 2008 quarter. Panel production and export volumes significantly increased over the same period.
- To view or download a copy of the statistical release go here
- To receive a printed copy email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Future Drivers for New Zealand Forestry
This is a new report produced by MAF in October 2008 which draws together the key drivers considered critical in influencing the direction of forestry in New Zealand over the next 20 years. This report is chapter 2 in the Forestry Sector Study detailed below.
- To read or download this report go here
- To receive a copy now email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Look out for forthcoming publications
Auckland forest industry and wood availability forecasts 2009
This report is part of a series on regional forest industries and wood availability forecasts being produced by MAF. The information in these reports is intended to assist forestry industries, planning practitioners, and infrastructure and service providers in assessing wood processing opportunities, resource management planning, and infrastructure issues.
The Auckland forecasts indicate that the availability of radiata pine from the forest estate is expected to decline over the next three years and then remain constant until 2019. After 2019 wood availability is expected to return to current levels of around 1 million cubic metres per annum from 2022.
- To read or download other reports in this series go here
- To receive a copy when published email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
A Forestry Sector Study
A comprehensive Forestry Sector Study report has been compiled by MAF staff as part of a series of sector studies examining primary sector issues.
The report provides an in-depth and future-focused evaluation of the forestry sector while identifying major drivers, opportunities and issues. It aims to discuss and foster understanding that will lead to informed decisions for a prosperous, sustainable and innovative forestry sector.
- To receive a copy when published email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
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