Nestle reportedly withdraws from methane accord
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
The Government has asked the primary production select committee to open an inquiry into rural bank lending practices.
However, the probe will feed into an overall inquiry report on banking competition.
ACT MP and committee chair Mark Cameron says he look forward to discussing with members of his committee and the finance and expenditure committee the terms of reference for an inquiry.
He will also discuss holding joint meetings to hear evidence from submitters and preparing a report on rural banking to feed into an overall inquiry report on banking competition.
“I’ve heard from countless farmers about the disparity between rural and urban bank lending practices, and I have been working on this issue since I became chair last year.
“In February, the Committee opened a briefing into rural bank lending, and we heard numerous concerns from farmers and others in rural communities.
“Based on this feedback, the Committee considered this issue was worthy of further scrutiny.’
Cameron says banks play an important role in communities.
“And we must ensure they’re operating in the best interests of all New Zealanders. Where issues like overly burdensome regulation that pushes up costs and compliance exist, this is an opportunity to put a target on it.
“I look forward to progressing this important piece of work to ensure the best outcome for rural New Zealand.”
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just nine months.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
Dairy farmers are still in a good place despite volatile global milk prices.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.

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