Need to manage gene tech risks
DairyNZ says potential benefits from gene technology must be carefully weighed against the risks of such technology.
Farmers are being urged to have their say — via the internet — on the Government’s proposed Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill.
And politicians are being told to get into the countryside to listen to dairy farmers flat out with calving.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle is welcoming the opportunity to engage constructively and share the industry perspective on the Bill.
But he points out that dairy farmers furiously busy with calving cannot get to Wellington to talk to the parliamentary environment select committee hearing submissions on the Bill.
DairyNZ is encouraging dairy farmers across New Zealand to tell the politicians what they think, says Mackle.
Mackle notes that appearing before the parliamentary select committee in July and August would be difficult for farmers as those months mark the start of calving season.
“That’s why I have written to parliament’s environment select committee this week to urge them to travel throughout provincial NZ to hear submissions in the main agricultural centres.
OPINION: Federated Farmers' latest farmer confidence survey results won’t surprise too many people.
The cost of producing milk in New Zealand continues to compare favourably with other exporting regions despite a lift in production costs over the past five years.
DairyNZ says potential benefits from gene technology must be carefully weighed against the risks of such technology.
Pleased, but cautious. That’s how PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin says he’s feeling about the rural retailer’s latest financial result.
Commodity prices and interest rates play a huge role in shaping farmer confidence, but these factors are beyond their control, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
DairyNZ is supporting a proposed new learning model for apprenticeships and traineeships that would see training, education, and pastoral care delivered together to provide the best chance of success.
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