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.
The Hound knows that the Greens hate farming about as much as they hate cars.
So your old mutt was intrigued to see that the tree-huggers’ latest wunderkind – and possible replacement for co-leader – James Shaw has lodged numerous written parliamentary questions about Hawkes Bay agribusiness consultancy Brownrigg Agriculture Ltd. Shaw has written to the ministers for trade, economic development, foreign affairs and primary industries demanding to know what deals and contracts have been awarded to Brownrigg Agriculture and questioning the relationship between said government departments and the Hawkes Bay firm. The question has to be asked, why are Shaw and the Greens so interested in Brownrigg’s business? Watch this space.
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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