$2b boost in NZ exports to EU
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers were at the top of the cabinet rankings.
People like Duncan MacIntyre, a farmer and war hero, were close to the top and, at one stage, MacIntyre was deputy Pm.
But after the Muldoon era, both Labour and National have pushed the ag portfolio well down the pecking order, and as we see in the PM's latest cabinet reshuffle, Todd McClay is ranked 10th out of 13 - just above the Minister for Mental Health and well above Ministers with responsibility for the arts, hospitality, the public service, prisons and universities.
How times have changed.
National is often considered 'the farmers' party', so should farmers feel aggrieved that the person representing their efforts in earning the bulk of our export revenue is treated like this?
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…