Leaving Paris ‘not in red meat sector’s interests’
Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) chair Kate Acland says it’s not in red meat farmers’ interests to leave the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is in Washington DC this week, speaking at the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit, held from 8 – 10 May.
The summit has been organised by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
“As we adjust to changing consumer trends and a changing climate, we must continue to support New Zealand farmers and growers to keep up their work reducing on-farm emissions, growing exports and retaining the sector’s competitive edge in international markets,” O’Connor says.
He says revenue from primary sector exports hit a record $53.1 billion in the year ending June 2022 and it is key to continue that momentum.
“Since 2017 the Government has secured or upgraded seven free trade agreements which bring huge market opportunities for our farmers and growers,” O’Connor says.
“The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit is expected to be this year’s milestone event for agriculture and climate change. It is a joint initiative to unite member countries to increase investment and support for climate-smart agriculture and food production by 2025,” he says.
“This Summit presents a rare opportunity for an international meeting of Agriculture Ministers to discuss the sustainable reduction of agricultural emissions and the ways in which we can work together to support farmers and growers across the globe to shift the dial on their emissions.”
“Export growth for our sector will depend on our sustainability credentials and we’re focussed on working with farmers and growers to be able demonstrate them,” says O’Connor.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
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