Not so free

The recent announcement of a free trade deal agreed with the EU, has proven, once again, that 'free' trade is an misnomer.

Perhaps we should rename such deals 'better than before' trade access agreements.

A bit like political intelligence, proper 'free trade' does not really exist.

Every FTA has fishhooks, imperfect parts and trade-offs - that is all part of making a 'deal'.

While NZ's dairy and red meat sectors can justifiably be disappointed in the final outcome of the EU FTA, our horticulture and other sectors can be pleased. There are always winners and losers in any such negotiation.

National's trade spokesman Todd McClay probably summed it up the best when he said: "It is a good agreement. It is a step forward. There are many parts of the economy that will benefit from this. It does allow us to take steps forward with the European Union."

A few questions

However, the 'disappointing' outcome for NZ's red meat and dairy sectors does leave those sector's leadership some questions to answer.

Both DairyNZ and Beef+LambNZ have been big drivers of the He Waka Eke Noa proposal, which is seen as an appeasement to Government demands that the sector price on-farm emissions. A key part of their argument for HWEN has been that overseas consumers - particularly those in Europe - are demanding NZ cuts its on-farm emissions to ensure we have access to their markets for our meat and dairy products.

Both DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ will now have some serious questions to answer to their levypayers. As Federated Farmers' president Andrew Hoggard said about the announcement of the FTA deal, "All the talk of better market access and premiums from New Zealand's already world-leading low emissions footprint for meat and dairy, and planned world-first agricultural emissions pricing, have proven to be hot air in these negotiations."

Hoggard also rightly asks why "the heavy-handed environmental pain New Zealand farmes are going through is not acknowledged, or even allowed for in the future by this deal?"

Good questions. Step up DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb!

Country Calendar

A recent Country Calendar episode featuring Lake Hawea Station owners Geoff and Justine Ross garnered the most feedback the TV show has got this season - with the vast majority being negative.

Much of this criticism appeared to centre around the Ross' 'woke' farming practices. However, why this got so many people exercised is a somewhat bemusing.

Surely they can farm and do what they like on their own property? It may not be everyone's cup-of-tea and if it is not, switch channels or go for a walk.

Despite what many in the farming sector think, Country Calendar is not a show focused on a rural audience, but one that appeals to mainstream viewers.

It is, in reality, a lifestyle TV show that covers rural NZ. It is not a hands-on, management programme that is aimed at informing farmers, but light entertainment that opens up rural New Zealand to a wider - mainly urban - audience. The percentage of Country Calendar episodes that feature organic, regenerative and other 'interesting' operations far outnumbers any ordinary, run-of-the-mill farming operations.

If you are looking for real, informative, business-like farming news, Country Calendar is not it. But if you are looking for nice pictures, light viewing and some interesting people living in rural NZ, then it is must-see TV.

Bright Future

A highlight of the farming year is always the final of the Young Farmer of the Year competition.

This year was no exception, with the 54th event held in Whangarei earlier this month.

Congratulations to Muriwai (west of Auckland) beef farmer Tim Dangen for taking out the title. The seven Young Farmers finalists showed just why NZ's farming sector has a bright future - it's just a play the final is no longer broadcast live on TV!