Feds support live animal exports
Federated Farmers have reiterated their support for the coalition Government to abolish the present ban on the live export of animals.
Experienced trade negotiator Charles Finny believes reports relating to a free trade agreement with the UK are positive.
Finny says full credit should go to Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O'Connor for this development.
"He has pretty much secured a really good deal with the UK off the back of what Australia has secured. As long as New Zealand can deliver a really good outcome on services and investment, then I think we are there."
Finny says the UK is looking like it could be a very exciting market for NZ companies that want to reinvest in that market. But he's not sure it is going to be as dominant as it was in the past.
He would like to see a really good deal with the EU as well. Finny doesn't want companies to focus entirely on the UK and forget about the EU. However, he concedes that the EU is "a longer term burn". That aside, he believes NZ should be trying very hard to get a deal done this year.
"What will be interesting is the quality of that deal compared with the UK deal, which - if it happens - will be very good for the NZ ag sector."
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.