NZ meat industry loses $1.5b annually to non-tariff barriers
Wouldn't it be great if the meat industry could get its hands on the $1.5 billion dollars it's missing out on because of non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs)?
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says independent quake-relief volunteer efforts are “fantastic”, but he suggests farmers needing help get it via a Federated Farmers scheme.
“As we move from the response to recovery phase, some farmers and growers will need skilled hands to get back to pre-quake operational levels,” he says.
“For example, many farmers have suffered damage to key infrastructure such as fences and water reticulation systems. This kind of infrastructure requires experienced labour to get back up and running.”
The scheme uses the Federated Farmers 0800 FARMING (327 646) line as a single point of contact. The line has been open to members and non-members since the earthquake, showing listings of farmers’ needs and offers of help.
“It’s fantastic to see some volunteer workers and networks have started their own initiatives. Officials will be extending a hand to these groups to encourage them to work with this centralised resource if possible,” says Guy.
“All skilled workers deployed will be suitably paid and volunteers can have some costs reimbursed. The scheme will also help ensure that health and safety are managed.”
MPI has contracted Agriculture Employment Services Ltd (AgStaff) and Federated Farmers to manage the scheme over the next four months. This includes worker contracts, health and safety induction and training, coordinating travel and logistics, and the reimbursement of fair and reasonable costs for volunteer workers.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
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.
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