Just how many jobs were created by a number of initiatives between then and now is uncertain. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor again brought up the 50,000 figure today as the number needed in the sector in a post-covid-19 world.
That’s in the long term. More immediately $19.3 million is to be pumped in to retrain those in hard-hit areas such as aviation, hospitality and tourism.
Time will tell how many former air stewards or baristas will put their hands up to be among the 10,000 who will be repurposed as cow milkers or wilding pine eradicators.
Bring on the 21st century agrarian revolution.
Budget to fund retraining into primary sector
The Government has allocated $19.3 million to the primary sector to retrain unemployed people, which should deliver 10,000 agriculture jobs. The aim is to shift workers across from the hospitality, tourism and aviation sectors.
Rangitata storage lake resurfaces
Rangitata Diversion Race Management has put its hand up for $300 million funding to build a large water storage lake. In addition to providing irrigation water the lake will allow for managed aquifer recharge of lowland areas in Mid Canterbury where aquifers have been depleted.
Farmers pressed for time on resource consents
About 300 landowners affected by the Tuki Tuki catchment plan have to apply for resource consents by the end of May and have not been granted the year extension they were hoping for. They are being advised to submit an interim plan and expand it later.
Green energy opportunities beckon
Nuffield scholar Cam Henderson believes the covid-19 crisis offers a chance to deal with growing energy needs while managing greenhouse gas emissions. But carbon prices would have to climb to $200 a tonne to incentivise some schemes.
Bug trap wins Ag Tech Hackathon
Innovative company Beta Solutions has come up with a solution to help combat the destructive brown marmorated stink bug. It has developed a trap that will attract, identify and kill the bugs, which pose a multi-billion dollar threat to the horticulture industry.
Seed processing plant back in action
The news the old Masterton vegetable seeds processing plant is to reopen is a fillip to Wairarapa pea growers who have not been able to grow the seed crop for four years. The mothballed plant will be able to process a host of seed-growing options.
Tonight on Sarah's Country
BUDGET SPECIAL
7.10 – 7.30 pm – We break down what the 2020 Budget means for New Zealand's largest export earner. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle and Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor join Sarah to unpack the Budget details.
7.40pm – Cameron Bagrie of Bagrie Economics will deliver his insights into today's Budget and will take your questions. Leave them on the live stream or email sarah@perriammedia.com.
