Farmer fury
OPINION: The new Labour Government in the UK is facing the wrath of farmers. Last week thousands of farmers and their supporters converged in London protesting changes to inheritance tax for farmers announced in the Budget.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor's trip to Europe to negotiate free trade agreements could be 'Mission Impossible'.
OPINION: When Trade and Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor arrives back in the country in a few days' time, don't expect him to be waving around a piece of paper saying NZ has nailed free trade agreements (FTAs) with the UK and EU.
The road to Europe to get any sort of reasonable trade agreement has never been harder. For me, it is somewhat of a re-run of what happened in the late 1970s and early 80s when I regularly travelled the London-Brussels to Paris route - often taking in Dublin and Bonn - with then Trade Minister Brian Talboys and Prime Minister Rob Muldoon. Forty years ago, the EU and the UK were putting the screws on our trade to placate their powerful farming lobbies.
Today it is no different. The same old protectionist arguments are being rolled out against NZ, but in many ways it's not worse. Back in 1980, there were just nine members of the EU - today there are 27. Add the fact that today the UK - supposedly our strongest advocate in Brussels - is no longer there.
Also remember that English is not the first language of any of the EU 27. Sure, there are strong cultural ties with many. But when it comes to trade, all the nice narrative about free trade and global liberalisation goes out the window as politicians pander to powerful lobby groups such as their farmers.
The problem of course is exacerbated by the fact that the Covid pandemic has prevented the face-to-face meetings, which 40-plus years ago played a part in the deal making. For example, Muldoon and the late Margaret Thatcher (former UK PM) got on very well and this no doubt helped NZ's cause.
To call Damien O'Connor's trip 'mission impossible' is not an exaggeration. In just 10 days he has to try and do what his predecessors did over many years. One good thing is that NZ is blessed with some super smart trade negotiators from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). They are a good match for their counterparts in the UK and Europe.
Yes there will be FTAs, but like all good red wine and cheese, hopefully it will be worth the wait.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
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.
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.