Steven Bierema

The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is an applied research organisation responsible to New Zealand arable growers and is involved in funding of arable and maize research and technology transfer. Adding value to the business of cropping. FAR was formed in 1995 and operates under the Commodity Levy Legislation. FAR needs to hold a referendum of growers every five years and in the referendum in 2017, FAR received 90% support from arable growers, 78% support from maize growers and 66% from cereal silage growers who voted. How FAR is funded: An Arable Commodity Levy is collected at the first point sale for all grain and seed, with the exception of maize which is collected on the seed purchased. FAR also receives funds from research grants, co-operative research and information sales. Crops FAR collects levies from: Wheat, Barley, Oats, Maize, Pulses, Herbage seeds, Brassicas, Borage, Vegetable seeds and other arable crops.