Feds Label New Farmer Group 'Bad News'
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says it's agriculture’s time to shine by stepping up now “when the country needs us more than ever”.
As the country moves towards the highest alert level in the fight against coronavirus, Milne says the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made sure that agriculture is “all in” as essential services.
Now the farming sector has to step up and function under strict distancing policies on farm “so we are safe while we continue producing food”, she adds.
“As we are in a biological system where the seasons don’t wait things need to keep happening in line with seasonal requirements,” she told Rural News.
She warns these are strict times and only “work” can be done.
“No gallivanting off socially - we are expected to observe lockdown rules after work just like the rest of our communities.
“None of us has the right to flaunt this as it could put the health of others at risk.”
Milne says a lot of work still needs to be done to iron out finer details with Ministry of Primary Industries around the current situation.
“Everyone is working well together on this to get it right.”
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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