Editorial: Taming Trump
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has signed a strategic plan on promoting agricultural cooperation between New Zealand and China.
The plan was signed with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister of Agriculture Hang Changfu.
"This is an important agreement which will encourage cooperation and the sharing of knowledge to benefit both countries," says Guy.
The plan sets out areas in which both countries can learn from each other, such as animal welfare and science, increasing productivity, and building skills and knowledge.
"This document will further build on the strong relationship that our two countries share, particularly in the agricultural sector.
"Since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2008, our exports to China have nearly tripled from $2 billion a year to $6.9 billion in 2012.
"Two-way trade between China and New Zealand has reached almost $15 billion. Our aim is to double bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2015 and we're on track to achieve that goal.
"The strategic plan will open wider the channels for cooperation, including between our industry organisations and companies.
"There are already a number of business ventures between China and New Zealand in the primary sectors, with Fonterra looking to expand its milking operations in China.
"China is also keen to learn from New Zealand given our strong reputation for food safety and quality food products," says Guy.
This is believed to be the first visit to New Zealand by a Chinese Minister of Agriculture for over 30 years, and will be reciprocated later this year with a visit to China by Guy.
Minister Han Changfu's visit to New Zealand follows the visit by Prime Minister John Key to China earlier this month.
The agreement runs from 2013 – 2017 and can be updated at any time.
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.
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