India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought it wise to run the numbers through the old Casio.
Their cunning plan is to cut net emissions 35% by 2030 and 47% by 2035, relative to 2020 levels.
NZ currently runs 99% of its transport on fossil fuels.
Forcing us into electric vehicles would overload the creaky power grid.
55% of power generation is hydro, 25% is fossil fuels, more when the lake levels are low as they were this year, which along with a gas shortage, forced up power prices, closing mills and factories.
Of course, the Green plan also includes knee-capping farming.
In short, their 'plan' is to drive NZ back to the dark ages, all in the name of lower emissions.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

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OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…