Dairy power
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.
It would appear that the industry has been reluctant to go ahead with the He Waka Eke Noa consultation because of Covid and have felt heavily pressured to do this, against their better judgement.
B+LNZ and DairyNZ have asked the Government for an extension of time, but as Dairy News went to press, 'silence was the stern reply' from the Beehive.
It is acknowledged by industry that the timelines for the consultation are enshrined in legislation, but they point out that, in the past, this hasn't stopped the Government changing its mind when it suits them.
Some industry insiders say that the stubbornness of government to postpone the consultation is 'political' with claims the 'green' elements in Parliament are being appeased at the expense of the rural sector. There are also claims that the call for postponement is just another case of the primary sector 'dragging the chain' - a claim strongly refuted by industry sources.
The clear view of the industry is that the consultation should be stopped in its tracks rather than putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk by effectively forcing them to attend the workshops. 'Attending' online is regarded by many as unsatisfactory.
Tim Mackle says DairyNZ is monitoring the Covid situation on a daily basis both in the lead-up to the roadshow, and every day it takes place, to make sure people's lives are not at risk. Therefore ther is still a chance the whole show will be off the road.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
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OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.