Finally, a deal is here
News that NZ and the UK have agreed 'in principle' to the terms of the free trade agreement (FTA) will come as welcome news to the dairy sector.
British vets are nervous about changes that may arise from Brexit, says British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Gudrun Ravetz.
Speaking at BVA’s annual London dinner in Westminster last week, she said many members are concerned about the threat Brexit poses for UK animal health and welfare.
“Yet we can also see the opportunities Brexit presents, and BVA is determined to work with the Government to seize these opportunities, where they exist, to improve standards.
“The veterinary family – which is my focus as BVA president – is part of the international scientific community, and we are a diverse profession with far-reaching influence and impact in many areas of political and public life .... A healthy veterinary workforce is vital for UK animal and human health.”
The residence or working rights of UK-based EU vets will be a ‘top five’ priority for the profession in forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
The UK veterinary profession relies heavily on EU graduates.
Ravetz says many have felt the impact of the EU referendum result since day one.
“In the meat hygiene sector alone, some estimates suggest 95% of veterinary surgeons graduated overseas.
“That’s why our first action after June 23 was to call on UK governments to protect the status of EU veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses now living and working in the UK. It was encouraging to see some of these key priorities… make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities.
“But we have said from the outset that our members need certainty and reassurance, so we urge the Government to make that firm commitment now.”
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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