First ever biofuel kiwifruit charter completed
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
OPINION: President Donald Trump's bizarre hard line approach to the world of what was once 'rules-based trade' has got New Zealand government officials, politicians and exporters on tenterhooks.
They are crossing their fingers that NZ will somehow avoid the wrath that Trump has inflicted on Canada, Mexico and to a slightly lesser degree on China, while leaving the supposed enemy, Russia unscathed. Trump and his hatchet team have thrown the whole world into chaos, yet, unbelievably, many Americans think they are right.
The strategy from NZ thus far has been to be a 'stealth fighter jet' and remain unseen by Trump's radar. But how long will this be possible? NZ has a few things going for it, starting with the fact that we don't have a major trade imbalance with the US. And maybe being small is helpful - who knows?
The problem for NZ is that the US has grown in importance as a market for our meat, so yes, we do need the US, probably more than they need us.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's comments on the Trump administration have been carefully phrased so as not to offend. He has wisely taken the line of his officials, avoiding at all costs any comments that might offend or spark a negative response to NZ.
But despite this delicate diplomacy, the chances are that through no fault of its own, NZ will likely get caught in the crossfire between the US and the other countries it is targeting.
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has said it's unlikely that NZ will get off scot-free in the turmoil that Donald Trump is creating. If any of NZ's trading partners suffer economically from what is happening, we too will likely suffer.
As of now, the Government is playing its cards right with the US and one can only hope this helps mitigate any major damage to our economy.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…