Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
Trade Minister Todd McClay and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström have agreed on the importance of working in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) towards reducing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and reform of domestic support in agriculture.
"Commissioner Malmström and I are committed to progressing these important issues in Geneva as part of preparations for the next WTO Ministerial Conference in 2017," say McClay.
The discussion took place in Oslo, Norway this weekend in advance of the WTO mini-ministerial meeting.
"Consensus is developing amongst some WTO members on these issues, which are significant priorities for New Zealand. Much work remains, however, before a credible outcome can be expected.
"For New Zealand, NTBs and domestic support in agriculture remain issues that distort trade - and therefore need to be dealt with. With agreement to remove agricultural export subsidies at the end of last year we've seen some progress, however my strongly held view is that much more must be done. This can only be properly addressed in the WTO.
"I welcome New Zealand and the European Union working together in the WTO and in continuing to work together to strengthen our trading relationship.
"The Commissioner confirmed to me that EU progress towards an FTA with New Zealand remains on track and that she did not expect Brexit to be an obstacle to the launch of negotiations.
"We have recommitted to work constructively together towards the launch of negotiations,” says McClay.
Two-way trade between NZ and the EU is around $20 billion each year. This includes $5.5 billion of trade with the United Kingdom.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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