Editorial: Climate dilemma
OPINION: The farming sector, or at least some parts of it, are preparing for a battle with the Government over its latest international climate change target.
OPINION: The dairy industry will be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
The council, comprising some of the world's wealthiest countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE - already buy $1.8 billion worth of NZ dairy products. This makes the GCC region our second-largest dairy market after China. New Zealand and GCC trade is worth over $3 billion annually, with New Zealand exporting $2.6 billion in the year to June 2024.
The New Zealand Government - in particular Trade Minister Todd McClay - deserves a pat on the back for this achievement. Previous NZ governments must also be acknowledged for laying the foundation for the trade deal. It delivers on an 18 year-long ambition for New Zealand to bag this high-quality trade deal in the Middle East.
This is the highest quality deal the GCC has done to date and its first with a major agricultural exporter. It delivers duty-free access for 99% of New Zealand's exports over 10 years and when combined with our recently concluded NZ-UAE CEPA, 51% of our exports to the region will be tariff-free from day one.
Dairy processors welcome this deal along with the other recent deal between NZ and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Locking in elimination of the already low tariffs on key dairy products into this highly valuable market provides important commercial certainty for dairy exporters, according to the Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ).
It wants the Government to maintain momentum and ambition to bring down barriers with other negotiating partners, including upgrading existing trade agreements that have not yet secured dairy tariff elimination. This will ensure continuing high quality and high value markets for our world-class dairy products.
Fonterra has updated its plan to divest its global consumer business and integrated businesses, Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.
Fonterra has announced new financial incentives for farmers who achieve on-farm emissions targets.
OPINION: The farming sector, or at least some parts of it, are preparing for a battle with the Government over its latest international climate change target.
Underground festival is an event for farmers and growers which celebrates the land through great food and inspiring conversations, says event organiser Fran Bailey.
There's been very little reaction to the government science reform announcement, with many saying the devil will be in the detail.
A committee which carried out the review into New Zealand's science system says the underinvestment will continue to compromise the country's future.
OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.
OPINION: Another sign that the plant-based dairy fallacy is unravelling and that nothing beats dairy-based products.