Project takes aim at pasture persistence problem
Farmers are welcoming a $17 million, seven-year collaborative science and research programme to lift pasture persistence and productivity.
We will be able to work with America on trade, says Trade Minister Todd McClay.
“I congratulate President-elect Trump,” McClay told Parliament yesterday in the third reading of the Trans Pacific Partnership Bill.
“It is important that we give the new President a chance put his team in place and consider his trade agenda. This will obviously take some time. We will be able to work with America on trade.”
McClay said the passage of this Bill would put New Zealand, as the first to have passed implementing legislation, in a stronger position.
“Now, more than ever, we need to be championing the cause of openness and inclusiveness. This remains the only way to secure prosperity for our economy, and generations to come,” he said.
He said our role is as a champion for trade liberalisation.
“Our vision for a mechanism to enhance trade between four countries grew into the largest trade agreement to date and which places us in the middle of a region encompassing nearly 40% of global GDP,” he said.
“We can be very proud of that, but we must continue to push for new trading opportunities and to continue to push for trade liberalisation wherever we can.”
He said other countries want to trade with us.
“They regard New Zealanders internationally as easy to deal with,” he said.
“We are upfront with our objectives. We produce high quality products and services. We are governed by the rule of law and respect our obligations. In turn, New Zealand companies are respected by their customers.
“But that reputation means little when we are trying to access markets where we are not permitted to sell our goods and services. It is only through continuing to improve market access, and boldly confronting barriers to trade, that our exporters can continue to thrive.
“We must continue to be outward looking and show leadership.”
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?