OSPRI writes off $17m over botched traceability system
Animal disease management agency OSPRI has written off nearly $17 million after a botched attempt to launch a new integrated animal disease management and traceability system.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel has come out swinging, accusing Groundswell of "circulating incorrect information" and "not getting the best outcome for farmers".
In a note last week to levypayers, van der Poel lambasted the lobby group for causing confusion and concern in rural communities.
"I assure you the HWEN process is still on track," van der Poel told farmers.
"The proposal submitted to Government continues to have the unanimous support of all 11 primary sector partners.”
He added that DairyNZ and other HWEN partners continued to meet regularly with Government to discuss recommendations and “hear their views”.
Groundswell’s Steve Cranston claims that the Government will replace the He Waka Eke Noa with a “cap and trade” scheme for agriculture.
A cap and trade scheme – like the Emissions Trading Scheme — requires each emitter to purchase units to allow a specific quantity of greenhouse gases to be emitted. Emissions units can be traded.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
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