Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
As the last shipment of live animals by sea left New Plymouth on April 20,2023, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor was hailing the move as one that puts NZ in step with like-minded partners on the importance of animal welfare.
He says Australia has moved to phase-out live exports of sheep, and animal welfare standards are bedded into our FTAs with the UK and the EU.
"Recent talk of restarting live exports by sea simply ignores the reality that our consumers overseas take issues of sustainability, climate, and animal welfare seriously, which is why they're reflected in our recent FTAs. This decision is part of a number of moves by our Government to protect future export growth and protect our reputation as world-leading food producers," he says.
O'Connor says the decision to ban live exports was supported by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. He says the two-year transition period allowed affected farmers the time to adjust their supply chains and move to different business models.
"In a market where consumers are becoming more and more discerning about ethical and environmental credentials, this Government has moved to ensure that New Zealand's reputation for ethical trade is not at risk," he says.
Damien O'Connor says NZ farmers are world leaders and must be supported to stay ahead of the curve.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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