India FTA 'still a priority'
Agriculture and Overseas Trade Minister Todd McClay says his government is pulling out all the stops to get a trade deal with India.
The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) has appointed Stephen Macaulay to a newly created chief executive role.
NZIPIM is a membership based association for rural professionals who provide professional services for the primary sector.
NZIPIM president Wayne Allan says it is delighted that , says: "We are delighted that Macaulay will be leading the organisation at a time when industry sectors and government agencies are looking to NZIPIM to help the farming community work through a number of important issues.
"These include increased regulation of land use with respect to water quality and environmental performance, as well as the continued development and profitability of farming systems.
"Stephen's past experience as general manager of the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), and his previous role as general manager of the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation and Retail Meat New Zealand, has him well placed to meet these challenges.
"There will be an increased demand for more qualified rural professionals and better assurance to farming communities of high standards for advice and related services."
Macaulay says he is excited about joining NZIPIM and looking forward to the opportunities to develop and build the capability of the organisation, and working with NZIPIM members and the wider rural sector.
Background on NZIPIM
Formed in 1969, NZIPIM acts as a voice for qualified rural professionals within New Zealand.
NZIPIM comprises 700 members from a wide variety of occupations, including: agribusiness and farm management consultancies, education providers, farm finance and accountancy firms, rural banking, farmers, fertiliser companies, rural valuation, agri-sciences, property management, veterinary services and other agri-business positions.
NZIPIM objectives are to:
• Promote excellence in the primary industry;
• Recognition process for rural professionals and provide opportunities for continuous professional development;
• To promote and encourage more people to undertake careers in the primary industry; and
• Uphold a code of ethics that promotes professional standards and conduct by members.
Website: www.nzipim.co.nz
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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