Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
Obermaier says an example of geographical indications opening up opportunities for New Zealand lies in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
While there was much protest about the EU's insistence in preserving geographical indications for some of its products, especially cheese, EU ambassador to New Zealand Nina Obermaier insists that this protocol opens up opportunities for NZ.
She points to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as an example, which has a very high recognition in Europe.
She says this is due in part to backpackers who have come to NZ and tasted this wine and want to buy it back in their home country.
Obermaier says the insistence on geographical indications can be linked to the overall food culture that exists in Europe, which is not so strong in NZ.
She says for many people in Europe, food is a part of their cultural heritage.
"It depends on which country you are in," she explains. "Some have a much stronger tradition than others, but in general it is something that is cherished as part of cultural life."
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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