increase font size
Nathan Guy.
A recent trip to Iran was very successful, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
He says New Zealand had huge opportunity in that market in the 1980s, when Iran took one in every four sheep we exported -- about 90,000 tonnes.
But for various reasons, such as bureaucracy and tariff barriers, that market closed to us in the 1990s.
A veterinary agreement has been signed that paves the way for our processors and exporters to “reach out to an importer in the country to get our red meat flowing again,” Guy says.
“Several companies are very excited about getting some product on the water before the end of this season.”
Guy says internationally we are seeing more protectionism. President Donald Trump has done what he said he would do on the campaign trail and not be a part of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
However, the Government believes there is potential to revive it with the other 11 countries.
“Brexit is also a challenge and that has taken the lamb price down by about $10 on average for each carcase because the exchange rate has gone against us. These are two areas we need to watch closely.”
Guy says the new trade strategy will be focused on the free trade agreements, more bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements and a focus on non-tariff barriers.
“These are what I call ‘itches’, but they are financial itches for our exporters.”
The government also wants to look at its overall trade strategy.
“Have we got the right people with the right skills in the right markets? Where are the new emerging markets where we need to do more?”
Guy was travelling to Europe last week, including Ireland where discussions on the Origin Green concept will be on the agenda.
OPINION: The recent detection of Avian Influenza (AI), a low pathogenicity strain H7N6, at a free-range poultry farm in Otago has the agri sector focused on biosecurity. While the situation is cause for concern, the emphasis is on not panicking but remaining vigilant. The key message? Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
A Nelson lifestyle block owner has been fined $4,200 after she failed to treat a cow suffering from severe cancer eye.
The latest Ministry for Primary Industries report on the state of the primary sector shows that things are starting to look up after a rough 2023-24 season.
A big shakeup in the honey sector is about to take place with the news that the industry good body, ApiNZ, and the export focused Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association are looking to merge to form a new industry body.
Lower yields and a reduced grape price for Sauvignon Blanc, along with a 6% rise in operating expenses, saw a major fall in profitability in the Marlborough vineyard model in 2023/2024.
Open Farms is calling on farmers to sign up to host an open day event on their farm this year.
Steph Le Brocq and Sam Allen, a bride and groom-to-be, are among those set to face off in regional finals across New Zealand in the hopes of being named the Young Farmer of the Year.
For the primary sector, 2024 would go down as one of the toughest years on record. Peter Burke reports.
Environment Southland says it has now ring-fenced $375,000 for new funding initiatives, aimed at enhancing water quality.
National Lamb Day, the annual celebration honouring New Zealand’s history of lamb production, could see a boost in 2025 as rural insurer FMG and Rabobank sign on as principal partners.
The East Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.
OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…
OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…
