FAR

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. 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 2011, FAR received over 85% support from arable growers who voted and 70% support from maize 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. The levy rates for 2012 will remain the same as 2011 at:
Maize - 90c per 10,000 seeds purchased.
Herbage and amenity seed - 0.8% of sale value.
All other grain and seed crops (cereals, pulses etc) - 0.8% of sale value.
Open pollinated vegetable seed crops - 0.8% of sale value.
Hybrid vegetable seed crops - 0.5% of sale value.
Onion seed crops will be zero rated.
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 and other arable crops. Vegetable seeds.