MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
The High Court has ordered a five-day relief to nurseries and orchardists who face losing tens of thousands of apple and stonefruit plants imported from the US.
The ruling means Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) must re-engage with the orchardists and nurseries.
In his ruling Justice Francis Cooke said he “found that the Ministry applied the wrong set of provisions to the present circumstances, and the other provisions may now need to be considered”.
The court injunction was sought by five importers challenging MPI’s directive for nurseries and orchardists to contain and/or destroy tens of thousands of apple (Malus) and stonefruit (Prunus) plants.
In a statement the importers say judge found that the MPI directions, issued under s116 of the Biosecurity Act were unlawful and has directed MPI to reconsider.
“The judgment encourages MPI to work with industry to develop and agree a more appropriate set of directions that address their key biosecurity concerns.
“The industry members have always been willing to undertake meaningful dialogue with MPI in order to achieve an appropriate outcome, and now look forward to an improved level of engagement from MPI.”
Kerry Sixtus of Pattullo’s Nurseries said, “We are encouraged by the High Court judgment and will move forward to engage with MPI as quickly as possible in order to achieve a suitable position that accommodates the needs of both parties.
“The group has always believed that MPI should have taken a more considered approach to this issue from day one, rather than a blanket seizure of all plant material.
“We have now proven, and the High Court Judge has recognised, that MPI was using a sledge hammer to crack a nut.
“This now provides us with the opportunity to define a course of action for the different varieties and for the plants at different stages of growth.
“This has been a costly distraction for us during an incredibly busy time of year, but we are willing to move forward and salvage what we can from this bureaucratic mess,” says Kerry.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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