increase font size
A farmer-written report that explores our marketing of primary produce in Korea, Taiwan and China is "recommended reading".
All sheep, beef and dairy farmers should take a look says Alistair Polson, chair of the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFE).
Released in June and entitled 'Good Morning Asia', the report was produced by North Otago farmers Blair and Jane Smith, National Winners of the 2012 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
In their role as ambassadors for New Zealand agriculture, the Smiths travelled to Asia in late April (2013) to study a number of key markets for NZ sheep, beef and dairy products.
Polson says the report, which can be found on NZFE's website, is a comprehensive account of the challenges facing marketers of New Zealand meat and dairy products.
The 50-page report explores the key factors necessary to develop strong, secure global business partnerships. It also addresses the importance of robust traceability labelling, a higher level of in-market presence and knowledge, and a more unified approach to product marketing.
"Any farmer that reads this report will gain a better understanding of the issues we need to address in order to develop a stronger presence in these crucial markets."
The Smiths, who run a North Otago sheep, beef, forestry and dairy support operation, made a special presentation of their findings at NZFE's 2013 Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton in June.
Their trip was supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries, Fonterra and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
The 'Good Morning Asia' report is available on the NZFE Trust website at www.bfea.org.nz
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
The chair of the country's environmental regulator, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), says changes are already under way to improve the performance of the agency to better meet the needs of those who interface with them.
New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) encourages afforestation while not achieving climate goals, says a new report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton.
Retiring MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron is blasting the Green Party for proposing to ban the use of synthetic fertiliser and cutting cow numbers.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.
B+LNZ's Wormwise veterinarian Mary Bowron has won the Best Sheep and Beef Vet of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.
Researchers at Massey University are using a special piece of scientific equipment to improve the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture soils.
More signs of a booming kiwifruit sector.
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
