Parting shot?
OPINION: Environment Minister David Parker, likely in the final weeks of the job, remains hell-bent on burning bridges with farmers.
In a series of tweets last night, Labour MP and Golden Shears board member Kieran McAnulty said today’s Groundswell NZ protests do not represent the sector.
“The sentiment behind them doesn’t represent the whole sector and undermines the hard work of so many farmers who are keen to get ahead of the curve,” he wrote.
McAnulty, who is MP for Wairarapa and the Labour Party’s chief whip, wrote that the Government recognised that the pace of change was concerning for farmers.
“The Government hears that and has shown a willingness to amend things in order to make it work. We will continue to do so.”
He said he was concerned that someone would do or say something to hurt the image of farmers and how those overseas view New Zealand.
“They will look at our protests and wonder why we are opposing proposals that aren’t as harsh as those they have in their own countries. These are the very same people in the very same markets we want to sell more of our products to.”
“I will continue to back the majority of farmers who want the best price for their products, the best for the environment and the best for our country.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…