$7.8m for new sustainable farming projects

29 new projects have been approved for $7.8 million in new funding over four years through the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“These are grass-roots projects that support farmers, growers and foresters to tackle shared problems and develop new opportunities. They will deliver real economic, environmental and social benefits.

“For example, one project will develop industry tools for farmers to improve their farm practices to improve water quality and infrastructure, while reducing nutrient loss.

“Other projects aim to increase the productivity of onion and potato growers, improve farmer uptake of summer forages, and help tackle the risk of rot in apples.”

Co-funders will also invest $16.3 million in the 29 projects over four years.

“Over the past 15 years the SFF has invested over $120 million in 948 projects benefiting New Zealand’s primary industries including, dairy, meat, arable, forestry, horticulture and aquaculture.”

An evaluation of the SFF completed in early 2014 concluded that it is achieving its goals offunding projects that contribute to the economic, environmental and social well-being of New Zealand’s primary industries.

The next round of funding for the SFF will open in mid 2015.

For further information about the 29 new SFF projects, visit: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-and-programmes/farming/sustainable-farming-fund/

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