Hear the voice of farmers
OPINION: As a food-growing nation, few would argue that much of New Zealand's future economy lies in the growth of our food exports, and many would support the goal of doubling their value.
Labour's newly appointed associate Minister for Agriculture says one of her main goals is to look at ways of attracting more young people to make a career in the primary sector.
Jo Luxton was recently promoted to a minister outside cabinet - as well as taking on the role of Minister of Customs and Associate Education.
Luxton says when she was on Parliament's Primary Production Select committee, an inquiry was started into the reasons so few young people seek out a career in sector. She'd like to get into the minds of young people and see what is putting them off agriculture.
"The challenge is, how do we break through that barrier and counter the negative messages such as dirty dairying and the like," Luxton told Rural News.
"Everyone in the primary sector has a responsibility to do that and get the positive messages across, including to people who influence young people - such as parents and teachers."
She says she's never met a farmer who wants to damage their land or leave it in a worse state than it is today.
Luxton concedes being a Labour MP in a rural area - she is MP for Rangitata - has its own set of challenges and accepts that some people will not agree with her party's policies. But she says despite criticism, her focus has been on building relationships within the community and with people from other political parties.
Before entering Parliament as the MP for Rangitata in 2017, Jo Luxton was working in early childhood. But before her first marriage ended, she and her ex husband were dairy farmers and she says she knows a fair bit about agriculture, especially dairying, and has a real passion for the sector.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…