Labour criticizes government for stifling agricultural growth
Labour's agriculture spokesperson says the Government’s decisions are set to hamstring growth within the farming sector.
The passing of the Farm Debt Mediation and NAIT laws last night shows the Government’s commitment to work alongside and help farmers, says Ag Minister Damien O’Connor.
“These new laws are necessary to address the previous Government’s nine years of neglecting the big issues facing the primary sector,” he says.
“By passing these pieces of legislation the Coalition Government has helped ensure the future sustainability of the sector.”
The Farm Debt Mediation Act supports the mental, emotional and financial wellbeing of farmers and farming families who find themselves in financial strife. Total farm debt in New Zealand is $62.8 billion – up 270% on 20 years ago.
O’Connor says the failure of a farm business can lead to the farmer and their family losing both their business and their home.
“For many rural communities the failure of one farm can have a ripple effect through those communities and the regional economy.
“Farmers who operate a family business often don’t have the resources to negotiate their own protections when dealing with lenders.
“This scheme will help to provide certainty for those facing the hard challenge of paying back debt. It’ll provide a way to help them get through, so they can get on with running their businesses and supporting their families.”
O’Connor said the ongoing efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis highlighted flaws in the NAIT scheme.
“We’ve done our best to make compliance easier for farmers, including transition periods where possible to help farmers adjust. Combined, these steps will see real changes for the industry and improvements to our biosecurity system.”
“We had great cooperation from industry to help improve the Act quickly and efficiently, and now we have a NAIT system that’s fit for the future.”
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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