$20m facial eczema research funding announced
Government and the red meat sector are teaming up to help eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmed animals.
Trade Minister Todd McClay has welcomed the Waitangi Tribunal's Report on the TPP which found no breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.
"New Zealand's approach to its free trade agreements reflects the constitutional significance of the Treaty of Waitangi to New Zealand. TPP specifically recognises the Treaty of Waitangi, so that nothing in the TPP will prevent the Crown from meeting its obligations to Maori," says McClay.
"The Tribunal recognised that the development and successful incorporation of the Treaty exception clause, which has been in every free trade agreement signed by a New Zealand government since 2001, was an achievement and of credit to the government.
"As I have said to Iwi Leaders at their Forum meeting this week, I am happy to continue to engage with Maori on TPP and future free trade agreements.
"Maori have much to gain from the agreement. Maori businesses are big exporters and have significant ownership in key sectors such as forestry, fishing, red meat, and dairy.
"The tariff savings under TPP on current exports across these sectors are significant, amounting to an estimated $200 million a year once the tariff commitments are fully phased in."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
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.
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