Global trade war 'bad news for NZ'
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
The country’s largest family owned and single-site kiwifruit and avocado post-harvest service provider has signed up to a sustainability linked loan (SLL) with ASB.
Trevelyan’s has taken on a SLL, which requires it to commit to key environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) targets, with borrowing costs adjusted based on its performance against these targets.
The company says it has committed to three key areas of focus – reductions in both waste and carbon emissions and improved wellness metrics for its workforce.
Managing director James Trevelyan says the focus on waste, carbon emissions and wellness feeds back to Trevelyan’s sustainability framework of three key pillars – to work smart, tread lightly and treat their people with respect. “We are fully aware that sustainable practices are a longterm investment and will drive ethical and financial value for our business, our people and the planet. We are delighted to partner with ASB with this shared vision.”
He says one of the company’s goals is to reduce its waste to landfill by 10% per year, with a further intention of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030.
ASB head of sustainable finance James Paterson says it’s encouraging to see businesses increasingly focused on sustainability.
“The work from Trevelyan’s with this new SLL is a credit to them and their desire to grow a better future and tread lightly as they do so. We are proud to help bring this to life.”
Patterson says ASB is progressing well on its mission to support industry transition. The bank has a cumulative sustainable lending target of $6.5 billion by 2030 for green, social and sustainability- linked lending across the rural, property, corporate and business sectors – with around $810 million committed to date.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.