Government Amends Stock Exclusion Regulations for Low-Intensity Grazing
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government is always working to ensure that our food exporters are treated fairly under trade agreements signed with other countries.
Speaking at the NZ Dairy Industry Awards in Queenstown, he highlighted the simmering trade dispute between NZ and Canada over the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
New Zealand initiated the dispute because Canada was not complying with CPTPP rules, blocking dairy exporters' access to its market.
A CPTPP arbitration panel ruled decisively in New Zealand's favour. Canada had until 1 May to change how it administered its tariff quotas - to stop giving its own domestic industry priority access, and to allow exporters to benefit fully from the market access negotiated in good faith between Canada and New Zealand.
McClay says NZ takes its trade obligations seriously and expects other countries to do the same.
"Canada is a great friend of NZ, we work together well around the world, but they must deliver on their obligations," he says. "And on your behalf the government reserves the right to use any instrumental at our disposal."
OPINION: Political parties in New Zealand have a long history of supporting free trade agreements together.
New Zealand's high country farmers could soon gain greater flexibility to diversify their land use as the new Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill is introduced to Parliament.
New Zealand farming history needs to be celebrated, says the New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards (NZCFSA) national coordinator, Anne Barnett.
Great weather, a large turnout and positive feedback.
Bark and ambrosia beetles could play an unexpected role in New Zealand's ecosystem, acting as tiny taxis for fungi.
New Zealand’s reliance on imported urea could soon be a thing of the past.

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