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.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
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Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
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In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.

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