Changing global trade ties
OPINION: I recently returned from a market visit overseas, including the United Kingdom and Europe. These are critical, historically important and increasingly high value markets for our red meat exports.
The Chinese carpet market is worth US$4.8 billion.
And carpets and rugs made from NZ wool are well regarded in the market.
Wools of NZ chief executive John McWhirter says it is rightly valued for its ability to create cleaner and brighter products and for its superior yield through manufacturing.
“As a brand, Wools of New Zealand is held in high regard for its purity and global presence, and being farmer owned, gives our brand unrivalled integrity.”
He expects benefits from sales in the Chinese market to flow back to farmers over time.
“Having a flagship partner that has invested in the Wools of New Zealand brand calls into question other carpet manufacturers that falsely claim to use New Zealand wool which is one of the limiting factors on demand.
“We work hard to protect the reputation of New Zealand wool by ensuring branded products are true to provenance.”
McWhirter points out that Yangxin Ruixin is not a new user of New Zealand wool. “The Wools of New Zealand brand partnership ensures a minimum percentage of our fibre is used within the products (20% more than previously) and, more importantly, means we can work together to grow both businesses, taking market share from both plastic and non-New Zealand wool.
“The partnership is about adding value as well as increased volume. The extra wool required to meet our brand standard is immediately replacing plastic fibre.”
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
More than 70 farmers from across the North and South Islands recently spent a dayand- a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank Ag Pathways Programmes held in Invercargill, Ashburton and Hawera.
Government ministers cannot miss the ‘SOS’ – save our sheep call - from New Zealand farmers.
A tax advisory specialist is hailing a 20% tax deduction to spur business asset purchases as a golden opportunity for agribusiness.
Sheep and beef farmers have voted to approve Beef + Lamb New Zealand signing an operational agreement between the agricultural sector and the Government on foot and mouth disease readiness and response.
The head of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers organisation NZKGI says the points raised in a report about the sector by Waikato University professor Frank Scrimgeour were not a surprise.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…