Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
Ag Minister Damien O’Connor has warned farmers that if they don’t take account of climate change in their production systems they could be jeopardising access to major markets.
He says customers worldwide expect producers to look at the implications of climate change. If they fail in this NZ could face more trade barriers in negotiations with the EU and UK especially.
“They are expecting us to be part of the climate change movement,” he told the Agricultural Climate Change conference in Palmerston North last week.
Farmers may not always get an extra dollar for doing this but must make some changes to be allowed to keep operating. However some of the changes may see farmers get paid more for the value they offer.
O’Connor concedes that some farmers find dealing with greenhouse gas issues scary, as do many people.
“Farmers are dealing day to day with climatic issues and uncertain pricing; so to add another layer of complexity with climate change obligations is a big concern. But we have to address that, giving farmers clear honest signals and then offering them pathways to try to address these things.”
O’Connor says farmers have been receiving confusing signals, but there are many young farmers out there, and older ones, who get it.
“They just want to know what they have to do to meet the obligations and they must get the clarity they seek via guidelines and advice.”
It’s important to ensure that if farmers make change they will be heading in the right direction, O’Connor says.
“We can’t expect them to keep chopping and changing on the basis of different science or different levels of knowledge.”
It’s important to make the Emissions Trading Scheme work for farmers, he says.
“It may not be simple but it has to be workable and pragmatic with better outcomes.”
One of the country's leading experts on China has praised the NZ Government for its handling of the recent incident with China over that country's cyber attack on two of our parliamentary institutions in 2021.
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Kiwi rugby star Renee Holmes is set for a fruitful year.
A new report has revealed the full impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on Hawke’s Bay’s principals and teachers.
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Grand Finalists have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is underway.
OPINION: This old mutt understands that NZ Post will soon no longer be delivering to rural addresses on Saturdays.
OPINION: Your old mate notes that research on the make-up of the new parliament shows it is now far more…