Changing global trade ties
OPINION: I recently returned from a market visit overseas, including the United Kingdom and Europe. These are critical, historically important and increasingly high value markets for our red meat exports.
Mike Petersen is one person who's closely monitoring the progress of the FTA with the EU.
The former NZ special agricultural envoy agrees that NZ will have to live with the outcome of the GIs but is hopeful that Ardern can break the deadlock over beef and sheep meat access.
He points to Ardern's international profile and hopes this may carry some weight in the talks.
"But one of the things that I think is quite important, and a lot of people are missing, is that getting a decent deal with Europe will unlock the benefits obtained in the UK FTA as well," Petersen told Rural News.
"This is because there is a lot of opportunity across both markets there now and that is going to be quite important. It is going to be difficult for people to take advantage of the UK FTA if we don't also have the opportunity to go to Europe, so getting them closely aligned will be really important."
Petersen believes while the FTA may not be as good as the one with the UK, whatever deal is signed will be hugely beneficial to NZ.
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
Showcasing the huge range of new technologies and science that is now available was one of the highlights at last week's National Fieldays.
Coby Warmington, 29, a farm manager at Waima Topu Beef near Hokianga was named at the winner of the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The days of rising on-farm inflation and subdued farmgate prices are coming to an end for farmers, helping lift confidence.
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