NZ and Chile Sign New Agricultural Cooperation Deal
New Zealand and Chile have signed a new arrangement designed to boost agricultural cooperation and drive sector success.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
The position supports key Government objectives, including ensuring New Zealand’s trading partners understand approach to agriculture and primary production and on raising the performance of agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer.
“I have asked Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”
Guy is a dairy farmer and agribusiness leader. He served as Minister for Primary Industries between 2013 and 2017.
He is currently the chairman of the Meat Industry Association and independent chair of Apiculture New Zealand.
McClay says Guy’s background promoting New Zealand’s producers both as a Minister and as a farmer means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world.
Guy replaces Hamish Marr, who has held the SATE role since 2023.
“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” McClay says.
“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”
Guy will take up the role on 1 January 2026.
Farmlands Co-operative has announced Rachel Aldikacti will be its new chief sales officer.
From 14th - 22nd March, Cornwall Park will play host to Farm Week, seven days of activities centred on farming, agriculture and the farm's heritage on the site.
Just four months after being declared clinically dead, Kiwi axeman Kahu Woolley is back on the chopping block this weekend - literally.
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown has seen a lot of change since she first started out in the dairy sector, with around one-third of dairy farmers now women.
Castle Ridge Station has been named the Regional Supreme Winner at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The South Island Dairy Event has announced Jessica Findlay as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship Programme, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

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