Newsletter - Fertiliser Matters

A quarterly update on a variety of fertiliser industry and research topics.

Issue 56
November, 2011
For the final edition for 2011, Fert Matters focuses on farming – including the positive response from dairy farmers in becoming more sustainable (while remaining productive), and data indicating stable use of nitrogen over the past five years. We also discuss the Government’s consistent stance on the ETS for agriculture, and our own involvement in developing the next stage in freshwater reforms.

Issue 55
July, 2011
In the latest edition of Fert Matters we look at the Government’s Fresh Start for Fresh Water programme announced in May, and why their National Policy Statement for fresh water management looks to be challenging for all involved. We also bring this edition to you from our new office, now located in Wellington – and what this move means for us in terms of building on our Government liaison and other primary sector associations.

Issue 54
Mar, 2011
Fert Matters is back for 2011 and takes an in-depth look at New Zealand's approach to managing cadmium. We provide the top line findings from the comprehensive study looking at the carbon footprint of different fertilisers as well as the mounting pressure on fertiliser prices, and Dr Philip Mladenov explains why the Foresight report should be a compulsory read for all decision makers.

Issue 53
Dec, 2010
For the final edition of 2010, Fert Matters looks at New Zealand's role in meeting growing world food demand, as the world's population skyrockets in the next 40 years. We examine the trend towards lower fertiliser use on New Zealand farms as fertiliser use dips 20% below peak usage, as well as look at potential outcomes from the ETS review happening this month, and Dr Mladenov shares some of his early impressions of the industry.

Issue 52
Oct, 2010
October’s issue of Fert Matters examines Lord Stern’s comments on climate change from his most recent trip to our country. We check the global supply and demand forecast over the next five years for the fertiliser industry, and the departing Dr. Furness looks at the progress made by the Fertiliser Industry over the last 15 years and welcomes in the new Technical Director Dr. Philip Mladenov.

Issue 51
Aug, 2010
In the latest issue of Fert Matters, we look at the implications for New Zealand food of the world agencies reducing the tolerable cadmium intake levels. Dr Furness examines New Zealand’s ETS scheme and we consider two research projects through MAF’s Sustainable Farming Fund which demonstrate the ability of farmers to manage nutrients

Issue 50
Mar, 2010
In the first edition for 2010, we look at Fert Research's involvement in the Primary Sector Water partnership. Dr Furness explains his apprehension around the potential 'battle ground' between farmers and regional councils that is water quality. We examine the concerning plant growth products that defy good science, and see that nutrient use in New Zealand is at a nine year low.

Issue 49
Dec, 2009
In December's issue of Fert Matters, the world's nutrient supply is put under the spotlight with one eye on the future. Guest Columnist Jacqueline Rowarth discusses the importance of New Zealand's 'Clean and Green' image, and Dr Furness talks about his recent experiences at an international conference held in Brazil , and how New Zealand compares with the world around managing fertiliser use through best management practices.

Issue 48
Sep, 2009
Read about how the fertiliser industry is on track to meet water quality improvement commitments, an interesting viewpoint on the NZFSA’s decision not to audit ‘novel’ fertiliser importers as well as all the latest international fertiliser news and research.

Issue 47
July, 2009
Highlights how farmers will have to resist the traditional response of reducing fertiliser use when times get lean on the farm if food exports are to lead our economy. We also discuss some of the tools and services the fertiliser industry has been working with government agencies, regional councils and the agriculture sector to develop to assist farmers to balance the competing needs of farm production while protecting the environment.

Issue 46
March, 2009
The latest issue of Fert Matters discusses how external auditing of nutrient budgets adds integrity to the practice. We also discuss the challenges associated with developing national standards for freshwater management, and publish the latest nutrient use statistics.

Issue 45
December, 2008
In this issue read about the cadmium working group and agricultural emissions trading. We also have a focus on collaborative governance with guest columnist Guy Salmon.

Issue 44
July, 2008
Read about the global factors impacting fertiliser prices, IFA’s 2008 crop nutrition award recipient and changes to Fert Research’s research funding approach in this issue.

Issue 43
March, 2008
The March 2008 issue focuses on Climate Change. In the editorial Dr Hilton Furness discusses Fert Research's role as an enabler of environmental protection, page 3 covers the point of obligation for livestock emissions be on farm and outlines three issues Fert Research believes need addressing in the Climate Change Bill.

Issue 42
November, 2007
In this issue the Technical Director talks about the climate change challenge for agriculture, applications open for the 2008 IFA award, and two recently completed, Fert Research-funded Enterprise Scholarship PhD projects that establish ‘new science’ are profiled.

Issue 41
July, 2007
Issue 41 highlights the European experience with a fertiliser tax, nutrient nudgets are explained in detail and the highly sucessful Lake Rerewhakaaitu water quality project is covered.

Issue 40
April, 2007
April's issue of Fertiliser Matters features information about the new Code of Practice, the Association's position on the Government's climate change options paper and an update on Massey University's Sustainable Nutrient Management Training course.

Issue 39
December, 2006
This issue looks at sub-Saharan Africa as an example of the importance of fertiliser use, includes an analysis of inputs vs outputs and features an item from Luc Maene, IFA Director General.

Issue 38
September, 2006
Featuring a lead story on the industry's commitment to nutrient budgets, plus the announcement of a drop in fertiliser use, a look at what are nutrient budgets and nutrient management plans and a synopsis of AgResearch's analysis of farmers' attitudes to change.

Issue 37
June 2006
Read about the Government's Sustainable Water Programme of Action, the 2005 global marketplace for fertilisers, IFA's 2006 crop nutrition award recipient and new Wise N Use fact sheets.

Special Farmer Edition
March 2006
In its annual special farmer issue, Fert Research focuses on nutrient budgeting, with case studies of North and South Island farmers featured.

Issue 36
March 2006
The 2006 Yale and Columbia EPI results lead this issue, with other items including an innovative research project on Rotorua lakes and Rabobank's first Food and Agribusiness research report.

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