NZ Apple Sector Pushes for Japan & Korea Market Access
The apple sector is working with the Government to unlock access to two key markets that could bring millions in revenue for apple growers.
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.
The awards, run by Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
MPI director of investment, skills and performance, Cheyne Gillooly says the awards provide the opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding employers who put their staff at the heart of their operations.
“We’re on the lookout for employers who go above and beyond by creating productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments for their people.
“2020 was a difficult year for many employers and employees, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the extensive work executed by so many people to keep businesses going.”
The awards are open to all food and fibres sector employers and the businesses that serve them. Entries open today and close at 5pm on 5 February 2021.
Gillooly says good employers are key to attracting, developing, and retaining the skills New Zealand’s food and fibres sector needs now, and in the future.
“Our Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential Roadmap sets goals of employing 10% more Kiwis from all walks of life in the primary sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years.”
He says the roadmap also sets a goal of lifting the value of the New Zealand food and fibre exports by an additional $44 billion over the coming decade.
“Our food and fibre products continue to be sought by consumers around the world, and we need to ensure New Zealand has the right workforce to meet this demand.
“Employers play a critical role in showing that the food and fibres sector is a great place to work, and where people can build long-term, rewarding careers.
“The awards are a great way to showcase employers who are creating workplaces that put people first. Having the right environment to nurture and develop workers is critical to the future of our food and fibres sector.”
OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.
Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.
While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.
Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.

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