Hawke's Bay to the world
Rockit chief executive Mark O'Donnell says consumer awareness for the brand continues to improve each year.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES minister Nathan Guy aims to double the value of exports by 2025.
In a speech yesterday to industry leaders in Wellington Guy noted the export double goal was an ambitious but achievable target. It will require export growth of around 5% a year.
"This target is based on 2012 export figures of $32 billion for the primary sector, with the aim of raising this to $64 billion by 2025," he says.
Guy highlighted three key challenges and opportunities that were necessary in achieving this goal.
Increasing competitiveness through improved collaboration and trade was key along with using science, research and innovation to add value to products.
"Protecting the value of our products is just as important through industry earning its 'social licence.' This means producing our products sustainably, bringing the community with us, and earning their respect and understanding," says Guy.
"Environmental sustainability is no longer a 'nice to have' - it's a necessity for the New Zealand public and our global consumers."
Lastly, Guy highlighted the growing need for skilled workers in the industry.
"We need to attract the best people into the primary industries. Industry and Government need to start working closely together because we are facing a skills shortage in the future."
Guy challenged members of the programme to report back to him in February with the three biggest obstacles and opportunities their industries had in reaching the export double target, and how the Government can help overcome these.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.