Latest news with #Proudfoot
Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Inaugural Yukon Plant Festival was a sold-out success
The Yukon Plant Guild held its inaugural Yukon Plant Festival on July 19 in Mount Lorne. Botanical aficionados gathered for workshops and a plant fair at the Herbal Hearth in the Mount Lorne area. Workshops were hosted on topics like foraging, papermaking, and gardening in a northern climate. Tickets for the festival were sold out weeks in advance. Speaking to the News on July 10, guild founder and board member Lyndi Proudfoot said this year's plant festival is the first, as the Yukon Plant Guild was formed in 2024, according to Proudfoot. 'The reason we thought the Yukon plant guild was a needed organization in the Yukon is because Yukon is rich in abundance and diversity of plant people, quote, unquote, from field botanists to Indigenous knowledge holders to home herbalists to Northern gardeners,' Proudfoot said. 'We wanted to create a place that connects people to come together and celebrate plants and share their knowledge and skills and resources.' Proudfoot said the festival was a chance for people to interact and learn about plants in a new way. She gave the example of a workshop led by Helen O'Connor, which taught attendees how to make paper out of plants. She also said there was a plant walk led by Indigenous knowledge holder Amber Berard-Althouse. She said that Aroma Borealis owner Beverly Gray was the keynote speaker at the festival. The festival was there to provide a bridge between the many diverse types of 'plant people' in the territory, she said. Proudfoot said she has studied conservation biology and is a clinical herbalist. 'And to me, it's like those worlds are not bridged so well. Like to talk to a botanist, I have to be at like, Yukon University. But then to talk to a herbalist, I need to be like, at some sort of, like herbalist festival in B.C., or something like that,' Proudfoot said. 'Like, they're not connected so well right now.' Proudfoot said the guild hopes the festival serves as a space where people from all walks of the plant world can share knowledge, passion and skill. She added that she is not surprised the festival sold out. She said she expects the festival will sell out annually. She said the event will probably get bigger, with more people attending, in larger venues. Proudfoot said the long-term vision for the festival is of an annual plant gathering that can create friendships between different fields of the Yukon plant world. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
NZ Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Agribusiness and Trade: NZ food security at risk as dairy, meat prices soar, says KPMG
Using dairy products as an example, he says in the interests of food security and protecting New Zealand's 'brand' – an export marketing feature on which it heavily leans - farmers could opt into voluntary domestic pricing initiatives through their milk processors with a portion of their production priced to meet Kiwis' needs for healthy and nutritional food at a reasonable cost. In the interests of food security and protecting New Zealand's 'brand' – an export marketing feature on which it heavily leans - farmers could opt into voluntary domestic pricing initiatives through their milk processors with a portion of their production priced to meet Kiwis' needs for healthy and nutritional food at a reasonable cost. Photo / Bloomberg The carrot to any buy-in by farmers will be the reassurance that New Zealand is investing in bioeconomic tools and systems to ensure the whole of their farming system - not just the milk or meat - is monetised, Proudfoot says. He cites the wine industry as an example of where an entire farming system could be monetised. In wine production only about 2% of the product becomes wine. All the leafy matter, and the woody matter left over from pruning vines has had 'huge' money invested in their production but becomes unutilised waste, he says. 'It could be a bioenergy source. It could be thinking about what's an active ingredient in the leaves that we can extract? It could be thinking about how we use the grape waste creatively? 'If we can say to farmers we are investing in a bioeconomy which offers all these other business opportunities, then the idea of finding circular solutions for everything they are growing and asking them to give up a small percentage of their price on a small percentage of their production starts to make sense.' To the suggestion that farmers, already burdened by high costs, would throw their hands up in horror at the idea, Proudfoot says on the contrary, he is sure some would like to protect the New Zealand brand and help build resilient domestic food security. 'If we don't have the ability to be resilient, to ensure that our people here in New Zealand have food security, it can very quickly become a part of how the food we export is viewed – are we exporting at the expense of our society?' Proudfoot says food security is still under-prioritised among the 200 agribusiness leaders whose insights formed the 2025 Agribusiness Agenda, despite an increased global focus and action on food security challenges. 'Food security is national security', he says, and despite data showing higher food insecurity among Kiwis due to the cost-of-living crisis, the subject recorded the lowest-score since surveys started. Biosecurity ranked top priority for the 15th year running. On whether farmers would support a domestic price, Proudfoot says internationally, initiatives haven't stopped because they didn't get 100% support. 'The price of food is under constant direct or indirect regulatory pressure ... in some countries it is set by the Government , you can't sell it for more than that price. But in many other countries what we are seeing, and that's definitely the case in New Zealand … is governments are looking to manage the cost of living because of the political consequences and they are putting pressure on supermarkets in particular not to increase the price of food. We're basically seeing it all over the world. 'It's not a question of will the farmer be able to generate enough money from selling their food. We think the answer to that is probably no, but actually how you ensure the farmer is able to monetise the full value of their farming system and be able to gain a return for 100% of what they grow. 'How do you monetise and get a return for the biomass you grow alongside the food you're targeting to produce, how do you ensure you are paid for the way you act in your farming system, the way you grow, look after biodiversity, water. 'It's the answer for a much more secure farming and food system and it also enables us to think much more about how we ensure local domestic food security.' Proudfoot's Agenda this year also calls for a national food and fibre data exchange to unlock value and accelerate innovation, with surveyed agribusiness leaders citing poor data quality, challenges integrating technologies into farming systems and unclear returns-on-investment as barriers. He says it's time New Zealand 'started having the sort of conversation the rest of the world has been having for a number of years' about bioenergy and a bioeconomy. Overseas, agribusiness leaders talk about the three Fs - food, fibre and fuel, he says. 'Why are we only able to talk about food and fibre, not the fuel part of the equation? 'When I sit down with clients all over the world, so often the conversation hasn't started with how much butter has been exported or what countries they're exporting to, but very often it's what the farmer is doing with farmer and grower partners in connecting them up to energy. People are starting to work out that a big part of the answer to our energy challenge sits within the farm gate. Ian Proudfoot 'There's a lot of talk about green co-ops in villages and towns in Europe and a lot of talk about investment into anaerobic digestors or other forms of bioenergy. You come back to New Zealand and the conversation just hasn't been happening. 'We must be one of the best places in the world to grow biomass, and climate change makes us even better. People are starting to work out that a big part of the answer to our energy challenge sits within the farm gate.' Proudfoot reckons the most important job in New Zealand agribusiness right now is held by Mark Piper, chief executive of the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, launched this month. A public research organisation, it was formed by merging four Crown Research Institutes, AgResearch, Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion. 'The priority of this organisation is how we ensure we connect our farmers to the bioeconomy, whether it be the energy part or the animal feed part, other forms of fuel replacement or whatever. It is so important because that is the future for a resilient food sector.' Proudfoot says a stark message relayed to him by KPMG offshore agribusiness teams was that 30% of farmers in 14 key food-producing countries in Europe plan to quit farming in the next 10 years because it doesn't make economic sense any longer. 'I've tested that in New Zealand, Australia and the US and it's probably the same. We have that risk of people deciding it's not worth farming any longer ... if we can't make farmers economically resilient they will stop making food, and if food doesn't arrive at the back door of the store, it's not available at the front door.' Ian Proudfoot: Opening up opportunities Some years, Ian Proudfoot looks back at the KMPG Agribusiness Agenda he's just published and thinks: 'Why are they just not getting it?' Why are agribusiness leaders whose insights form the Agenda not 'getting' that food security or energy, for example, should rate higher on their top-of-mind issues? 'But that just means I'm not communicating properly and I have to do better,' says KPMG's global head of agribusiness, lead author of the project that recently marked its 16th year. The Agenda is Proudfoot's baby. He created it and writes most of it. It's a love-hate relationship, he says. Writing up the priority issues of the 200 agribusiness leaders surveyed can be an all-consuming grind. But gathering the information and knowledge that goes into the publication is a joy. 'They are fascinating conversations. We start with a blank piece of paper and you never know what themes will come out. 'People look forward to the Agenda. They engage with the content ... it has helped change the perspective of people towards not just thinking about volume and price but the broader opportunities … 'It has contributed to change in the narrative in the food and fibre sectors. Some of the things talked about have been adopted and are now accepted. 'But there are still some areas we've got to keep banging away on. 'I'll keep banging away on the fact we have to focus on how to build a vibrant, growing, sustainable ocean economy. 'The bioeconomy is a massive opportunity but one we are underplaying, I think.'
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Food Network Appoints Two New Food Sustainability Champions To Board
Press Release – New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's national food rescue and largest food support charity, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organisation through its next chapter of impact and growth. The first is Ian Proudfoot, currently Global Head of Agribusiness at KPMG. Proudfoot brings over three decades of experience in auditing, governance, and strategic leadership in the agri-food sector, with deep networks across both New Zealand and international food systems. Proudfoot is the lead author of the award-winning KPMG Agribusiness Agenda and played a key role in establishing the Mana Kai Initiative, which aims to transform New Zealand's food system to be more inclusive and resilient. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainable food strategy, and his long-standing commitment to food system equity will be invaluable to NZFN's mission. Meanwhile, Wade Gillooly joins the Board as a director at Marmont Investments, with over 25 years of commercial and executive experience across the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. A former CEO of ABE'S Real Bagels and Pitango, Gillooly has a proven track record in leading business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering results in complex, multisite operations. Wade is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, mentoring founders and helping build innovative food brands including Ārepa among others. His strategic mindset, governance acumen, and pragmatic leadership style will be a tremendous asset to NZFN. NZFN Board Chair, Suneil Connor says he welcomes the new appointments. 'During our thorough recruitment process, it became outstandingly clear that Ian and Wade had the deep industry experience and capability we were seeking, alongside a core alignment with NZFN's mission. We're so excited to officially welcome them as directors of NZFN.' NZFN Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Findlay adds, 'Their strategic insight and global perspective will be invaluable as we navigate one of the most challenging times for food security in Aotearoa. Both Ian and Wade bring a wealth of skills and experience that will strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for food support, and help shape a more sustainable future for NZFN and the communities we serve.' About New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is Aotearoa's national food rescue and largest food support charity. With distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, it accepts bulk surplus and donated food from food producers, growers and manufacturers and redistributes to more than 60 food hubs (regional food rescues, iwi, food banks and other charities) so that they may feed the communities they serve. Via these food hubs, NZFN ultimately serves a network of more than 2,000 frontline organisations across the country. NZFN's services reduce GHG emissions from landfill and ensure a positive social impact by getting food to where it's needed most. NZFN's operations are primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help address the issue of food insecurity nationwide. In addition to distributing donated food, NZFN purchases low-cost pantry staples and other household essentials with funds raised to help keep its Food Hubs well stocked. It also serves as procurement partner for registered Food Hubs to purchase food and can be activated in the event of an emergency to procure goods for MSD and government providers.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Food Network Appoints Two New Food Sustainability Champions To Board
New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's national food rescue and largest food support charity, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organisation through its next chapter of impact and growth. The first is Ian Proudfoot, currently Global Head of Agribusiness at KPMG. Proudfoot brings over three decades of experience in auditing, governance, and strategic leadership in the agri-food sector, with deep networks across both New Zealand and international food systems. Proudfoot is the lead author of the award-winning KPMG Agribusiness Agenda and played a key role in establishing the Mana Kai Initiative, which aims to transform New Zealand's food system to be more inclusive and resilient. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainable food strategy, and his long-standing commitment to food system equity will be invaluable to NZFN's mission. Meanwhile, Wade Gillooly joins the Board as a director at Marmont Investments, with over 25 years of commercial and executive experience across the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. A former CEO of ABE'S Real Bagels and Pitango, Gillooly has a proven track record in leading business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering results in complex, multisite operations. Wade is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, mentoring founders and helping build innovative food brands including Ārepa among others. His strategic mindset, governance acumen, and pragmatic leadership style will be a tremendous asset to NZFN. NZFN Board Chair, Suneil Connor says he welcomes the new appointments. 'During our thorough recruitment process, it became outstandingly clear that Ian and Wade had the deep industry experience and capability we were seeking, alongside a core alignment with NZFN's mission. We're so excited to officially welcome them as directors of NZFN.' NZFN Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Findlay adds, 'Their strategic insight and global perspective will be invaluable as we navigate one of the most challenging times for food security in Aotearoa. Both Ian and Wade bring a wealth of skills and experience that will strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for food support, and help shape a more sustainable future for NZFN and the communities we serve.' About New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is Aotearoa's national food rescue and largest food support charity. With distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, it accepts bulk surplus and donated food from food producers, growers and manufacturers and redistributes to more than 60 food hubs (regional food rescues, iwi, food banks and other charities) so that they may feed the communities they serve. Via these food hubs, NZFN ultimately serves a network of more than 2,000 frontline organisations across the country. NZFN's services reduce GHG emissions from landfill and ensure a positive social impact by getting food to where it's needed most. NZFN's operations are primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help address the issue of food insecurity nationwide. In addition to distributing donated food, NZFN purchases low-cost pantry staples and other household essentials with funds raised to help keep its Food Hubs well stocked. It also serves as procurement partner for registered Food Hubs to purchase food and can be activated in the event of an emergency to procure goods for MSD and government providers.
Scotsman
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Gambling addict who embezzled £400,000 from Scottish estates jailed
A gambling addict who embezzled more than £400,000 from two historic Scots estates while working as a bookkeeper has been jailed for 32 months. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... David Proudfoot was employed with agricultural firm Andersons Northern Ltd when he stole the massive amount of cash by transferring funds into his own account over a 10 year period. Proudfoot, 48, had responsibilities for managing tax affairs and VAT returns for clients including the Bemesyde Estate in the Scottish Borders and the Auchlyne Estate in Perthshire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The crooked finance worker covered up the scam by producing fake HMRC tax references and invoices and spent the 'overwhelming majority' of the cash on his out of control gambling addiction. Proudfoot pleaded guilty to embezzling £439,500 while employed with Andersons Northern Ltd, Station Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, between January 2012 and August 2022 when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month. He returned to the dock for sentencing on Friday where a sheriff described his offending as 'a significant breach of trust over a prolonged period'. Alexander Lawrie Sheriff Julius Komorowski said: 'You pleaded guilty to embezzling over an extended period the sum of £439,500 from your employer while acting as a bookkeeper. You stole the money, at least in the most part, to fund a gambling addiction. It was a sustained and systemic period of theft.' Sheriff Komorowski acknowledged Proudfoot 'appears to be genuinely remorseful' but said he has no current assets and there is 'no prospect of any meaningful recovery of the money taken'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Proudfoot, from Penicuik, Midlothian, was sentenced to 32 months in custody. Solicitor Ellie Younger, defending, said her client had been gambling since attending secondary school and has recently been seeking help with the Gambling Aware organisation. Ms Younger said: 'It is fair to say Mr Proudfoot's gambling got out of control. He is not making excuses and recognises how destructive this addiction has become. 'Mr Proudfoot is remorseful for the harm caused and is committed to making amends. He has expressed shame at his offending.' The court heard the funds taken from both estates should be refunded to the owners through the Financial Ombudsman now the criminal proceedings have concluded. Previously the court was told Proudfoot was employed as a bookkeeper with Andersons Northern Ltd who provide services to farming and non-farming businesses including financial planning, farm business administration and IT and software design. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prosecutor Ruaridh Allison said the firm has around 150 clients including the Bemesyde Estate in the Scottish Borders and the Auchlyne Estate in Perthshire. Bemesyde Estate is owned by Earl Haig of Bemesyde but is largely run by his wife Lady Jane Haig while the Auchlyne Estate is owned by sole trader Emma Paterson. Mr Allison said: 'The offence came to light in August 2022 when the accountants of the Bemesyde Estate identified a VAT anomaly dating back to November 2021. The anomaly was £20,000 which was sufficient for an internal investigation to be met.' The investigation uncovered the large scale scam involving numerous financial transactions being paid into Proudfoot's own bank account and the police were contacted. Mr Allison said 'over 200 payments disguised as payments for invoices' totalling £108,922.45 were made from the Bemesyde Estate account to Proudfoot between May 2012 and July 2022. The court heard the missing funds went unnoticed as estate bosses had previously allowed Proudfoot to buy products on their behalf and he would be later reimbursed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The fiscal said further payments amounting to more than £115,000 had also been made into Proudfoot's account under the reference of HMRC as he handled payments for two estate employees. The police investigation also found the finance worker had embezzled more than £200,000 from the Auchlyne Estate between 2014 and 2022. The court heard yesterday that Proudfoot had spent around £350,000 with the online gambling site Bet 365 and a further £163,000 with Betfair and Paddy Power.
