India FTA ‘will be more than just sheepmeat exports'
New Zealand's red meat sector is looking at exporting more than sheepmeat products to India when a comprehensive free trade agreement is secured between the two countries.
Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy will take over as the independent chair of Apiculture New Zealand (ApiNZ).
Guy will step into the role in July when Bruce Wills, who has held the role since the industry organisation was established in 2016, steps down.
Guy's experience includes 15 years as a Member of Parliament and nearly nine years in governance as a Minister of the Crown, with five years as the Minister for Primary Industries. Apiculture NZ says he has built extensive networks, including at a government and international level, and brings strong governance, strategy and business skills to the role.
"The board is delighted that Nathan Guy is to be the new chair of Apiculture New Zealand," says outgoing ApiNZ chair Bruce Wills.
"Nathan's commitment to New Zealand's primary sector, his understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the apiculture sector, and his ability to connect with key stakeholders here in New Zealand and abroad will be welcomed by the industry."
Wills says Guy's time as agriculture minister saw him gain specific experience and knowledge of key areas including biosecurity and honey regulations, as well as experience of international markets and consumers. Meanwhile, Guy says the apiculture industry plays a critical role in NZ's agri-sector, contributing over $5 billion to New Zealand's economy.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.