India FTA ‘will be more than just sheepmeat exports'
New Zealand's red meat sector is looking at exporting more than sheepmeat products to India when a comprehensive free trade agreement is secured between the two countries.
New detector dog puppies and a recruitment drive to hire 30 new quarantine inspectors proves biosecurity is a top priority for the government, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
Guy visited the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Detector Dog Breeding Centre in Auckland to meet four new beagle puppies that will be trained to guard New Zealand's airports to stop unwanted pests and diseases entering the country.
"The four puppies have overcome a tragic start to life. Their mum, Utah, was found to have leukaemia soon after the births and had to be put down," says Guy.
Guy chose the name 'Clara' for one of the new puppies.
"I'm looking forward to following Clara's progress as she helps to guard our border."
As well as recruiting canines, the Ministry is about to start recruiting 30 new quarantine inspectors to work on the frontline of our biosecurity system.
This is in addition to the 56 extra frontline staff recruited over the last six months, says Guy.
Of the 30 new staff, six will start work in Christchurch, four in Wellington, two in Queenstown and 18 in Auckland. They will begin in mid-August after extensive training.
"Numbers of frontline staff are directly related to the volume of people and goods crossing the border. As New Zealand's economy continues to grow the numbers of border staff are also likely to increase.
"The primary industries are the powerhouse of New Zealand's economy and protecting them from biosecurity threats is my number one priority. We have a world class system, but we are always looking for ways to improve it even further," says Guy.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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