Federated Farmers urge government to honour KiwiSaver promise
Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to deliver on its pre-election promise to change the KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get their foot on the farming ladder.
OPINION: As a food-growing nation, few would argue that much of New Zealand's future economy lies in the growth of our food exports, and many would support the goal of doubling their value.
But the real question is not about reaching this target, it's about how we get there.
As a trading nation, our global reputation relies on our clean and green image. Achieving this requires not only bold policies and investment but a thoughtful approach that embraces our unique challenges and opportunities as an island nation.
One of the most significant recent developments the Government is steamrolling in is the Gene Technology Bill, a piece of legislation that could have damaging implications on our agricultural future.
During the select committee process, many agricultural stakeholders such as DairyNZ, the Meat Industry Association, Beef + Lamb NZ, NZ Winegrowers and farmers I've spoken with formally asked the Government for an extension on submission times to properly research and prepare their submissions on the Gene Technology Bill.
Yet, this Government has chosen to ignore these requests and continue to move through the parliamentary process to make this bill law.
There was also no cost-benefit analysis completed. This means the impact this bill could have on our export markets is largely unknown.
While the promise of the Gene Technology Bill is higher agricultural productivity and sustainability through solutions such as increasing crop yields, supporting mitigation of methane production, and creating drought-resistant crops, we must proceed with caution and be confident that we have done our homework.
If the Government truly believes farmers are the backbone of New Zealand's agricultural success, wouldn't they pause and ensure that the voices of farmers are heard? Any rushed bill risks creating unintended consequences, and with the risk of damage to New Zealand's long-held reputation as a world leader in sustainable and ethical farming, the stakes of this one are high.
Once enabled, genetic technologies are not easily reversed, and if not handled properly, they could potentially harm the very reputation we need to protect.
The idea that technology alone can solve all of agriculture's challenges might be appealing, but it's not good enough for this Government to rely on new technologies alone without considering the broader implications. This Government needs to take the time to consult thoroughly with farmers, industry leaders, and experts before rushing the bill through Parliament.
By listening to the concerns of those on the ground, we can ensure that the technologies we adopt today will benefit New Zealand's farmers, our environment, and our international reputation for generations to come. The future of New Zealand's agricultural success is not just about increasing the scale and value of production, it's how we produce it.
Jo Luxton is a Labour List MP and party spokesman on agriculture, biosecurity and rural communities.
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
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OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…