MAF Policy News
Issue 5, August 2007
ISSN 1177-701X
In this issue you can read about:
MAF's forecasts for agriculture and forestry
Primary Industries 2020 Summit
A chance to learn about MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund
Making wood part of a sustainable future
New publications
Positive forecast for New Zealand agriculture and forestry
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's (MAF) annual forecasts predict generally positive times ahead for the primary sectors.
MAF's recently released Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry forecasts international commodity prices will generally be stronger over the next four years than they have been for the past four years.
"As a result of this forecast, we expect positive outlooks for New Zealand agriculture and forestry prices and incomes," says MAF Director-General Murray Sherwin.
As well as detailed forecasts the report contains an overview of the primary sector and articles on some of the major issues facing the sectors, including sustainable development, productivity and nanotechnology.
More information
- Read the report.
- To request a copy of Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry please email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz.
Primary Industries 2020 Summit
28-29 November, Christchurch
In the current climate of heightened environmental concerns, intense competition, globalisation and the emergence of major new economies, a clearly defined vision is required for the future of our primary industries.
The Primary Industries 2020 Summit will provide business leaders from all sections of New Zealand's primary industries with an opportunity to:
- examine the key trends that are driving changes in consumer demand;
- assess the impact these changes could have on our existing markets and sectors;
- develop ideas on how our businesses and sectors can build and maintain competitive advantage.
More information
- To find out more about the speakers and how to register, visit the Primary Industries 2020 Summit website.
A chance to learn about MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund
MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) invests $9.5 million per year in community projects that support applied research and extension for New Zealand's primary sector.
We are running free workshops for people who would like to learn more about the SFF and find out about making an application in 2008, reporting requirements, running a project, and communicating about a project.
The workshops will be held in Hamilton (31 August 2007), Palmerston North (30 August 2007), Lincoln (29 August 2007) and Gore (24 October 2007). Please register as places are limited.
More information
- Find out more about the workshops.
- To register please contact Amanda Hall (email:amanda.hall@maf.govt.nz; tel: 0800 100 087).
- Find out more about the SFF.
Making wood part of a sustainable future
Within a year new government-funded building projects for buildings up to four floors (including the ground floor) will have to consider options for using wood or wood-based products as the main structural materials.
Forestry Minister Jim Anderton announced this new programme in early July. Encouraging the use of wood helps support a growing forest industry, Mr Anderton said, which in turn helps New Zealand address climate change and sustainable land management.
The requirement will not apply to buildings that are manifestly unsuitable for building in wood, such as storage for dangerous goods. Decisions on which option to accept will be based on normal criteria such as fitness-for-purpose and value for money, with options standing on their own merits.
More information
- Read the Minister of Forestry's press release.
New publications
Forestry Production and Trade for the March 2007 Quarter
Roundwood removals, an indicator of export and domestic processing levels, decreased for a second consecutive quarter in the March 2007 quarter. This followed increases in roundwood removals in the June and September 2006 quarters.
Indigenous Forestry on Private Land: Sustainable indigenous forest management in accordance with Part IIIA of the Forests Act 1949
A short leaflet describing options for harvesting and milling timber from indigenous forests. Forests can be managed under a registered Sustainable Forest Management Plan or Permit, or smaller volumes can be harvested for personal use or under a Milling Certificate.
Milling Indigenous Timber in Accordance with Personal Use Approvals and Milling Certificates
A short leaflet about Personal Use Approvals and Milling Certificates, which allow for harvesting and milling of indigenous timber in one-off situations from areas that are not subject to registered Sustainable Forest Management Plans or Permits.
Standards and Guidelines for the Sustainable Management of Indigenous Forests, Third Edition
This publication details the statutory requirements under Part IIIA of the Forests Act and specifies standards for the approval and administration of Sustainable Forest Management Plans and Permits. This third edition takes into account recent research findings and the 2004 amendments to Part IIIA of the Forests Act 1949.
East Coast Forestry Project Grant Guidelines
MAF has recently changed how it funds participants in the East Coast Forestry Project, moving from a tender system to a grant system. This document outlines the new process for applying for and receiving a grant, including:
- who can apply for a grant;
- what land is eligible for a grant;
- what the grant pays for;
- how to apply for a grant.
To request a printed copy of a publication please email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz.
Contact for Enquiries
Publications Adviser
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 64 4 894 0657
Fax: 64 4 894 0742
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