RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
COVID-19 had little impact on NZ sheepmeat and beef exports in February, says the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
NZ’s meat exports reached $921 million: with the value largely unchanged from a year earlier.
However, the impact of COVID-19 saw the value of exports to China drop by 45% to $175 million compared to February 2019. But this was offset by increases in the value of overall exports to North America, North Asia (Japan and Taiwan) and the UK.
Month-on-month, export volumes of sheepmeat rose by six per cent in February compared to January 2020 but beef volumes fell by 3%.
Sheepmeat exports to China were down 50% by volume and 46% by value compared to February 2019. Beef exports to China dropped 60% by volume and 53% by value.
However, sheepmeat exports to the UK increased 7% by volume and 23% by value. Other notable increases by volume included Malaysia (+184%), Taiwan (+78%), Saudi Arabia (+40%) and Jordan (+151%).
Beef exports to the US grew 39% by volume and 62% by value. There were also increases in the volume and value of beef exports to Taiwan, Canada and Japan.
China remained the top sheepmeat market by volume in February, with 12,165 tonnes. The US was the top beef market by volume, with 19,600 tonnes.
Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, said the figures demonstrated the strength of New Zealand’s red meat export sector.
“The sector is committed to playing its part to drive export revenue for the benefit of New Zealand in these uncertain times.
“The spread of COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges and disrupted the supply chain, but the global demand for protein remains strong and we are benefiting from our diverse mix of global markets.
“We are seeing demand from China start to increase again as people go back to work and restaurants re-open. Our focus is now on ensuring we can keep our plants processing, keep our people safe and healthy and continue to export products to our global markets.”
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.