MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
NZ Apples and Pears Incorporated will hold a series of grower meetings as part of consultation on the funding of its levy.
A series of apple and pear grower meetings are being held around the country.
These are part of a consultation programme to determine whether growers will continue to fund a levy to support their industry organisation NZ Apples and Pears Incorporated (NZAPI).
NZAPI is legally mandated by the Government to collect a levy from commercial apple and pear growers to fund the support and services it provides as the industry body. A vote of growers is undertaken every six years to either continue or reject this levy.
The current levy for NZAPI expires on 16 January 2025 and during the last few months growers opinions' have been sought by various means - including face-to-face regional meetings, webinars, newsletters, and public notices. In April, a referendum will be held for all potential levy payers to vote on the Commodity Levy.
All apple and pear and growers who grow apples and pears in New Zealand - which are or may be sold for consumption as whole fresh fruit, or sold for resale as whole fresh fruit, or exported as whole fresh fruit - are eligible to vote. Each trading entity is entitled to one vote. Voting will be open from 9am Monday 8 April to 12 noon Friday 3 May 2024, which is taking place online and by post.
If growers decided to continue with the levy, a formal application will be made in May from NZAPI to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requesting renewal of the Levy Order.
NZAPI says more than 30 years on, the levy continues to be the foundation of what it as an industry body does for the industry.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…