FTA and Uber Drivers
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: Last week India's powerful Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was in the country for another round of negotiations on a free trade deal.
One word that Goyal used frequently during his public comments was 'sensitivities'.
With NZ dairy farmers and exporters waiting with bated breath to know either if or when they can export more products to India, Goyal's comments provided little comfort.
It's clear that Goyal, a senior member of the ruling BJP in India, has one eye on the 80 million farmers and their families who depend on the Indian dairy sector for their livelihoods.
Upsetting such a large base of voters would be political suicide for Goyal and the party. So dairy shouldn't have its hopes too high when the FTA is finalised.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.