McClay urges patience on KiwiSaver for first-time farmers
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
Agriculture is high on his agenda as new Trade Minister Todd McClay attends the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
The three-day meeting, which started yesterday, is McClay's first duty as Trade Minister, a portfolio change which took effect on Monday.
"Key issues for trade and development will be in the spotlight at Nairobi, including in the important area of agriculture," McClay says.
"WTO Members will be trying to agree a package of measures from the Doha Round agenda, which has been stalled since 2008.
"While no negotiation with more than 160 participants could be described as easy, we hope that all players come to the table prepared to play their best hand.
"As well as negotiations on new market access and improved multilateral trade rules, the WTO works to ensure that hard-won market access is preserved and existing WTO rules are complied with.
"While New Zealand has been successful in securing a network of high quality free trade agreements, we believe that FTAs should complement and contribute to the WTO system.
"When it comes to trade issues, global solutions are the most effective ones."
McClay is having a range of bilateral meetings in Nairobi.
The WTO Ministerial Conferences take place every two years.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…