MPI job cuts 'won't disrupt organisational structure'
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is welcoming new figures forecasting that primary exports will reach $37.5 billion for the year ending June 2017.
The forecast is up $0.8 billion on the previous December forecast.
“This is the first time MPI has produced a quarterly update of its Situation Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) which will give us a more accurate picture during the year,” says Guy.
Next year overall primary sector exports are expected to grow by 9.7% to $41b.
Guy says it shows New Zealand has a strong, diversified primary sector and shows forestry and horticulture doing well. And it’s pleasing to see dairy rebounding after several tough seasons.
“This year is likely to be more challenging for the sheep meat sector with market volatility and the UK’s exchange rate fluctuations.
“So the government is strongly supporting the meat industry through the Primary Growth Partnership, with about half the funding going to red meat projects. Access to China for chilled meat is also a major positive, along with renegotiated access to Iran.”
The SOPI report was released by Guy at the Te Hono National Summit for primary industries leaders in Christchurch last week.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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