Plummeting sales forces C-Dax to cease trading
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) oversees $2.6 billion of red meat exports to the quota markets of the European Union, United Kingdom and United States.
The quotas mean NZ exporters save tariffs worth $934 million every year - comprising $609 million for EU and UK sheepmeat and goatmeat, $6.8 million for EU high quality beef and $317 million for US beef and veal.
NZMB chair Kate Acland made the comments at the board’s virtual annual meeting held last week.
Acland told attendees that NZMB’s administrative role has expanded significantly since the board’s establishment more than a century ago.
“The NZMB has been working in the background for more than a century, ensuring seamless market access for our goods, and it’s also been funding industry good projects for many years.
“Prior to the UK’s exit from the EU, the NZMB administered three World Trade Organization (WTO) quotas.
“Two quotas were added following Brexit and a further two as a result of the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). A further three quotas will be added when the NZ-EU FTA enters into force, bringing the total to 10 quotas.”
There was strong interest in beef access under the new tariff free UK FTA beef quota, delivering positive signals into this market, she says.
“Between May 2023 and December 31 2023, more than 1,700 tonnes entered under this new quota with tariff savings of $9.9 million.
“Preparation for the EU FTA is underway and it is anticipated implementation requirements can be concluded for entry into force by mid-2024.”
Sam McIvor, chief executive of the NZMB, said the Board’s work during 2023/24 included planning to establish the management systems for administering the new FTA quotas.
“With support from the New Zealand Government, the NZMB successfully secured paperless quota certification in the US quota market, realising significant economic benefits for exporters. The Board is now seeking expansion of paperless quota certification to other quota markets.”
The NZMB also administers significant farmer reserves, currently standing at $79 million, held as a contingency fund to help New Zealand re-enter export markets in the event of a biosecurity incursion or disruption in quota markets.
Interest from this fund is used for industry-good projects. Following consultation with farmers, the Board is now considering proposals to allocate up to $700,000 in ongoing investment to the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) genetics programme and up to $1 million into a new programme focused on eradicating facial eczema in sheep.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…