Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
A NEW REPORT into the Government's Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme is a desperate attempt by Minister Nathan Guy to justify his lolly scramble ahead of an investigation by the Auditor-General, Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor says.
"The NZIER report claims the PGP has the potential to add $11.1 billion to the economy per annum in 2025, but only if all the research and development runs flawlessly, the aspirational stretch of its programmes are achieved and the innovations taken up widely.
"That is a tall order.
"The PGP aims to foster primary-sector innovation and investment in joint partnership with industries. It has now committed more than $700 million of taxpayer and farmer money to a range of projects. This is the National Government's method of reaching its goal of doubling exports.
"The problem is there are no quantifiable results as to how these programmes will actually achieve this.
"Labour is not alone with its concerns about the PGP. The Auditor-General has also decided to take a closer look at how the money for these programmes is allocated and, more importantly, how it is accounted for."
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.