News on Energy and Environment from Oceania

With pesticide resistance rising in species of aphids which feed on potatoes and spread viruses, one of the best control options for growers battling these pests may be found in nature, free of charge: parasitic wasps.

Australian vegetable grower body AUSVEG has applauded the decision of the Papua New Guinean Government to temporarily lift the ban on the import of selected Australian fruits and vegetables - including potatoes - for three months.

Two of South Australia's biggest potato growers are fighting the State Government in court over changes to their water allocations.

The Australian vegetable and potato industries are calling for consumers to be given certainty about the food they are eating once-and-for-all, through refined Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) laws, according to AUSVEG.

Dr John Baker, a soil scientist who was a finalist for the World Food Prize in 2013, is calling for the authorities to look at soil quality when preparing environmental policies. He says that while most local bodies have robust policies to address air and water quality, they overlook soil quality.

Owners of an old carpet factory in Devonport (Tasmania) have held informal talks with the Devonport City Council about a conversion to a potato processing factory.

Australian minister for the Environment, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, has launched the new EnviroVeg smartphone app for farmers, to help them manage their land sustainably.

Research conducted by the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University, using the southern ladybird as a biological control agent, has shown the predator to be voracious and effective at reducing tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) numbers.

A compostable take-away container made by Potatopak from waste potato starch has won the 2011 Unpackit Award for New Zealand’s best packaging.

Un envase para comida producido por Potatopak y elaborado con almidón de papa ganó el Premio Unpackit 2011 al mejor empaque en Nueva Zelanda. El premio fue otorgado luego de revisar más de 9.000 votos del público. Así mismo se premió al peor de los en...

In New South Wales, Australia, Matt Simmons can barely keep up with demand for the organic potatoes he and wife Sue grow on their 48-hectare farm on the Hawkesbury River.

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, today announced a $635,474 Brumby Government grant for a Central Highlands Water project which will help McCain Foods Australia/New Zealand reduce its potable water use by a further 15 per cent.

The term "food miles"- how far food has traveled before you buy it - has entered the enlightened lexicon. Environmental groups, especially in Europe, are pushing for labels that show how far food has traveled to get to the market. But is red...