NZ meat industry loses $1.5b annually to non-tariff barriers
Wouldn't it be great if the meat industry could get its hands on the $1.5 billion dollars it's missing out on because of non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs)?
The Primary Sector CEO Bootcamp conference last week was a major success, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
The boot camp over two days last week brought together 35 agribusiness leaders and five Government agency chief executives into one room, representing 80% of all primary sector exports, says Guy.
"The boot camp initiative started in 2012 and has involved chief executives working together to grow our export earnings and take advantage of major opportunities around the world.
"There is renewed determination to double our primary sector exports to $64 billion by 2025 and establish New Zealand as a premium producer of food and fibre. This is an ambitious but very achievable goal, with the right policies and leadership from both Government and industry.
"It is great to have so many top industry leaders in one room, prepared to collaborate and share expertise for sustainable growth."
Prime Minister John Key along with ministers Steven Joyce and Guy spoke to the boot camp, which has also featured update presentations from CEOs and collaborative action planning.
"Recent challenges have reinforced just how important the primary industries are to New Zealand. They remain the powerhouse of our economy, making up around 72% of all our exports and generating around $32 billion a year."
The inaugural boot camp began at Stanford University in 2012, and the success of this has led to an ongoing programme of collaborative actions.
Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award for the top performing supplier sites in the global food company's dairy supply chain.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk has achieved grass-fed certification of milk supply against the AsureQuality Grass-Fed Scheme.
OPINION: What goes up must come down. So, global dairy prices retreating from lofty heights in recent months wouldn’t come as a surprise to many farmers.
Fonterra directors and councillors are in for a pay rise next month.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.

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