India–New Zealand FTA talks continue in Delhi as officials pursue trade breakthrough
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
OPINION: People have criticised Christopher Luxon for the time he’s taken to appoint a new chief science advisor.
Well, just like good cheese, some things are worth waiting for and the news that Dr John Roche has got the top job is a masterstroke and great news for the primary sector.
The decision was worth waiting for to get a science leader of the caliber of John Roche. At last, there is someone in the Beehive mix who is a highly respected and internationally recognised agricultural scientist, who can take grassroots farmer, industry and agricultural science matters directly to the boss – the Prime Minister.
For too long, agriculture has been on the outer in terms of science but wisely the Government has seen that quality practical science – especially agriculture – is the answer to economic growth and prosperity.
Luxon’s clear message that ‘bold and courageous decisions need to be made about those (science) areas that aren’t delivering value to NZ’ is laying it on the line to some academics who have indulged themselves in what the late Robert Muldoon caustically described as ‘fun subjects’.
Criticism that the advisory panel has a significant focus on ‘dairy’ says it all. These same people would be without a job and a good lifestyle if it wasn’t for dairy – so get over it and face reality.
While the advisory panel does have people on it from the primary sector, they are all smart individuals with proven ability to innovate and translate that into effective business propositions so good science, in whatever field, will surely not be neglected as some might suggest.
Roche is an intelligent, charming individual (helped a fair bit by his Irishness) with a stellar CV who is constantly in demand as a speaker internationally and locally on matters of science. To top it off, he is a fabulous communicator of science and is a fantastic choice for this important role.
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Tighter beef and lamb production globally have worked to the advantage of NZ, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
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