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Federated Farmers president Dr William Rolleston.
Federated Farmers is urging diplomats and export companies to be quick off the block and first in line for meetings to push New Zealand's agenda.
Federated Farmers president Dr William Rolleston says: "Britain leaving the EU will create a considerable degree of political and financial uncertainty but we must consider what new opportunities might be won. This could be a great opportunity to work with lamb producers in the UK to get better outcomes for both countries.
"We have a shared history with the UK and want to ensure this outcome works in both countries' interests. We need to emphasis our common thinking and remind Britain we are an important ally.
"The key thing for farmers is assessing how this change will affect trade to Britain as well as Europe and what this means for our free trade negotiations.
"The vote suggests a significant threat against the trends of globalisation and trade liberalisation. New Zealand as a small open economy will be a loser if protectionism prevails."
Currently New Zealand primary exports to Britain are at 3% and 11% to Europe. Farmers are in a very different position than we were when Britain entered the European Union 43 years ago; at that time 40% of our exports went to Britain, says Rolleston. Before that in the 1950s over 80% of New Zealand exports went to Britain.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Government needs to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry as news of further whole-farm sales emerges.
Sales of premium brand Envy apples are booming in Taiwan.
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
