GE Free NZ calls for withdrawal of gene technology bill, Canada rejects claims of dairy dumping on world markets, and regulatory hurdle blocks access to methane reducer grown in Bluff.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

GE Free NZ calls for withdrawal of gene technology bill

The Gene Technology Bill has been informed by selective, biased, and outdated research according to GE Free NZ. Their recent Official Information Act request shows MBIE does not hold crucial documents about the performance of approved GM field tests despite this information being essential for sound policy development.

GE Free NZ president Claire Bleakley says MBIE's statement is inaccurate and highlights the poor communication between Ministries as well as the sloppy and inadequate research conducted to inform the Bill. She says this is an outrageous injustice and threatens New Zealand's agricultural and export economy.

The Environmental Protection Authority holds all annual reports on New Zealand field trials that document the suffering and deformities of GE animals and the failed performance of GE brassica, onion, and pine trees. Meanwhile, Ministry of Primary Industries has audit reports detailing breaches of trial conditions.

MBIE relied on modeling data for GE ryegrass from 2009 when no field trial data existed. This old report doesn't reflect AgResearch's $25 million five-year GE ryegrass field trial that failed  to produce enough fodder for feeding trials due to poor grass performance. It also ignores today's high-performing conventional cultivars.

The OIA request was submitted January 8th under urgency, but MBIE's partial response arrived just two working days before submissions closed. Further information won't be available until March 13th. The bill would remove regional councils' rights to declare GE-free zones and eliminate certain ethical and precautionary principles.

Bleakley says it's not acceptable that failing biotechnology advocates are willing to compromise democracy and endanger the NZ economy for personal benefit, IP, or to attract funds. She says MBIE's OIA reply shows a clear lack of due diligence and the Gene Technology Bill should be immediately withdrawn.

 

Canada rejects claims of dairy dumping on world markets

Canada has dismissed criticism from New Zealand, Australian and US dairy industries about allegedly dumping cheap milk protein on world markets, saying its exports have actually declined. The response comes as New Zealand's Trade Minister explores joint action with the US and Australia.

Global Affairs Canada spokesperson John Babcock says the country is confident its dairy practices align with trade obligations, with no surge in exports. In fact, Canada has a negligible share of global dairy trade - approximately 1% - and in 2023, Canada's dairy exports actually declined by approximately 3%. Babcock defends Canada's supply management system as necessary for market stability.

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) executive director Kimberly Crewther maintains Canadian exports have been rising, arguing the figures need unpacking because Canada is shifting toward higher-protein exports and products not necessarily classed as dairy for tariff purposes. Not only is Canada restricting access to its own market, but then it is subsidising its exports into the global market, she says.

Trade Minister Todd McClay responded positively last month to the dairy industry's call for action, announcing officials would explore joint action with the US and Australia.

However, Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman cautions this is not the right time for New Zealand to join forces with the US against Canada, given threats to Canadian sovereignty from President Trump. Patman suggests using the World Trade Organisation instead, noting New Zealand's perfect record in trade disputes there.

 

AgriZero appoints Hewett to lead emissions reduction

Rob Hewett has been appointed as the new Chair of AgriZero NZ, bringing his extensive agricultural experience to accelerate the delivery of emissions-reducing technologies to farmers. The three-year appointment aims to maintain New Zealand's competitive edge as a premium low-emissions food and fibre producer.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced Hewett will chair the public-private joint venture until February 2028. As an experienced chair of several energy and agricultural entities and a farmer himself, Hewett brings strategic insights to drive forward work that helps farmers reduce emissions while maintaining productivity.

The joint venture currently manages $46.2 million across 13 investments, with another 81 projects under consideration. These include research into methane vaccines, inhibitors, innovative probiotics, and pasture treatments - all designed to give Kiwi farmers practical tools without closing farms or sending jobs overseas.

Hewett replaces Sir Brian Roche, who finished his term in October to become Public Services Commissioner, with Fraser Whineray serving as interim Chair. Hewett began his new role on February 3rd.

 

WorkSafe pours resources into reducing farm deaths

Farming continues to be New Zealand's most dangerous occupation, accounting for 40% of all workplace deaths and prompting increased attention from safety regulators. WorkSafe is now committing a quarter of its resources to addressing this persistent problem.

Fourteen workers killed on farms last year, making it the highest fatality and risk industry that is reported - a situation WorkSafe inspections manager Rob Pope calls really unacceptable.

Pope identifies vehicles as the leading cause of death, with hazardous chemicals like fertilizers being another major concern. 

The agriculture sector far outpaces other industries in workplace deaths, with transport, postal and warehouse fatalities running a distant second. This reality has driven WorkSafe to shift its resources toward farming as the area of highest risk.

Adding to these efforts, ACC recently announced an $11 million partnership with Safer Farms to help reduce harm and fatalities through the Farm Without Harm strategy. Safer Farms chairperson Lindy Nelson says this support means they can amplify work with farming leaders to protect each other from preventable harm.

 

Regulatory hurdle blocks access to methane reducer grown in Bluff.

Red seaweed that can slash methane emissions in cattle by up to 90 percent is being commercially grown in Bluff, though regulatory hurdles prevent New Zealand farmers from using it. The Asparagopsis seaweed contains bromoform, which blocks methane production in cattle digestion.

Production scientist Brent Jackson at CH4 Global's Ocean Beach Aquaculture Hub says the seaweed significantly improves feed efficiency. The facility grows the seaweed in dozens of huge aerated vessels at the former Bluff Freezing Works site, providing controlled conditions that are consistent, reliable and easy to scale compared to offshore growing.

Once harvested, the seaweed is frozen, freeze-dried and shipped to another CH4 facility in South Australia where molasses is added for flavor and to help retain the bromoform. The final purple powder-like product requires just 50 grams per day per animal and can be easily mixed with feed.

Inside the gut, bacteria convert fatty acids into methane but this supplement inhibits that process. This methane reduction also reduces energy spent by the cow, improving feed efficiency so farmers don't have to feed cattle as much while producing less methane.

While CH4 Global already sells its Methane Tamer product to Australian cattle farmers, New Zealand legislation currently classifies the bromoform in Asparagopsis as a veterinary medicine rather than a feed supplement. The Nevada-based company is working with interested government officials to change this classification.

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