It's time to celebrate arable...but we need your help!
The New Zealand Arable Awards are being held in Christchurch in August, but a ceremony isn't much fun without winners. That's where we need your help. Look out the window, over the fence or down the road and nominate yourself, a neighbour or any grower you think deserves recognition for the great job they do as an arable farmer.
Nominations are open at www.arableawards.co.nz and there are categories for maize growers, cereal growers and seed growers, as well as innovators, newcomers, respected agronomists, growers who demonstrate excellent environmental management, and growers or businesses making great food and drink from arable crops. An overall winner will be chosen from the eight category winners.
The growing diversity and impact of the arable industry is reflected in the fact that the 2022 awards have been expanded to eight categories, says FAR CEO Alison Stewart.
That's why we’re building this event up to be a ‘must attend’ on the arable sector calendar. It’s time the arable industry stood up and told the rest of New Zealand just how good we are!"
Federated Farmers Arable Industry Chairperson, Colin Hurst, agrees.
"We’re a sector that generates $800 million of sales a year, $260m of that in exports, and we’re determined to better highlight to fellow New Zealanders the role we play. Our industry involves more than $2 billion in annual direct and indirect spending and 11,310 full-time equivalent jobs.
"We are world leaders in seed production - 60% of the world’s radish seed, 50% of white clover seed and 40% of global carrot seed, for example, AND the maize, feed and grass seed we grow is crucial for the New Zealand dairy and meat producers who drive the lion’s share of our export receipts. Home-grown wheat for bread products is even more important right now due to supply chain disruption and the war in Ukraine.
The Arable Awards are being organised by Federated Farmers, FAR, United Wheatgrowers and the Grain & Seed Trade Association.
Find out more at www.arableawards.co.nz