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The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.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.”
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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