M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
The New Zealand AgriFood Week is the latest agribusiness event to fall victim to coronavirus.
Event host, the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) has announced that the week-long event, scheduled to start today, has been postponed: New dates will be announced later.
The event is closely associated with the Central District Field Days, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, March 19. However, organisers of the three-day event are likely to follow suit and postpone it.
CEDA chief executive Linda Stewart says meticulous care had been taken in coming to this decision.
“CEDA have been working around the clock to review the rapidly changing scene, considering the guidelines and advice from Ministry of Health and our DHB,” she says.
“With attendees coming from across New Zealand and the globe, the decision to postpone the Week was made to protect the wellbeing of all involved and our communities.”
Naming sponsor ASB fully supports the decision: ASB’s executive general manager of business banking Tim Deane saying the decision had not been made lightly, however it was the right one.
“We know AgriFood Week is a highlight in the rural calendar, however the safety and wellbeing of those attending is our top priority, and in light of the current situation we believe this decision is the correct one.
“We look forward to celebrating AgriFood Week at a later date with our customers and the wider rural community,” says Deane.
Ticket holders to the headline events will be notified of the proposed new dates as soon as practically possible.
Ticket holders are advised to check their emails for the latest information regarding postponement.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced the postponement of the Waikato A&P Show, Lely’s open farm day in Waikato and all public events of Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).
Waikato farmer Walt Cavendish has stepped down as the spokesman for a controversial farming lobby seeking greater protection for New Zealand farmers against inferior imports.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

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