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).
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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