MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says the proposed animal welfare regulations now out for consultation are very important for the NZ primary sector.
He told Dairy News that NZ earns $23 billion from animal related exports and consumers are now much more connected to what is happening on our farms.
Guy says NZ is a world leader in food safety and is doing more than ever in environmental matters. And it is equally important that we look after our animals: this matters to our international reputation.
"Most NZ farmers look after their animals very well and they won't notice any significant changes but those few scallywags who don't will have to pull up their socks."
The new regulations follow the passing last year of an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, designed to improve the enforceability, clarity and transparency of the animal welfare system. Proposed regulations setting out in detail what farmers need to do have been developed in consultation with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).
Guy says the proposed regulations will set enforceable rules based on best practice and modern science.
"Our animal welfare system is considered one of the best in the world. The proposed regulations will further strengthen our reputation as a country that cares for animals."
The proposed regulations relate to the care of and conduct towards animals and include:
Infringement notices of $300 or $500 for low-level offending
Who may perform surgical or painful procedures on animals, and under what conditions
New rules for handling bobby calves, including raised areas for loading and trucking distance restrictions.
More powers for the director-general of the Ministry for Primary Industries on reporting of animal welfare when live animals are exported for breeding purposes.
Feedback is sought on the proposals by 19 May.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.