Santa's present for the primary sector - an FTA with India
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Andrew Morrison says the new strategy aims for better profitability and sustainability.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has launched a new strategy to identify and unlock market opportunities and improve the sector’s sustainability, productivity and prosperity.
The strategy is a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
It sets out four key goals for the sector to achieve by 2030, including sustainably profitable, premium value, vibrant communities, and trusted guardianship.
The strategy builds on the first Red Meat Sector Strategy which was adopted in 2011.
“Our vision is to grow sustainable value together and we are committed to doing the right thing by our people, animals and environment,” said Andrew Morrison, chairman of B+LNZ.
He says the new strategy would establish critical priorities B+LNZ and MIA would work on together with industry partners.
“We have set our sights on greater profitability, sustainability and resilience. We are seeking increased value for our customers and consumers and greater social and economic benefits for Aotearoa,” he said.
Morrison says that since the first Red Meat Sector Strategy was established, co-operation continued to grow and expand into new areas.
“By partnering across the supply chain on the most important challenges and opportunities for the red meat sector, we have been able to create value for all sector participants, as well as our country, communities and consumers.”
John Loughlin, chairman of MIA, says the strategy captures work the sector is already engaged in and the opportunities that will build the sector’s future.
“By establishing clear goals and priorities, the strategy provides a platform for partnerships of shared aspiration especially with Māori, the dairy sector, other primary sector leaders and the New Zealand Government,” Loughlin said.
“Our people and businesses are integral to New Zealand’s communities and economy. We are proud of what we do and our contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country, and we’ll keep working hard to constantly improve.”
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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