Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
The Government has announced a comprehensive review of dairy industry legislation.
Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor says the review will help the sector get in shape for the future.
The Government also released the terms of reference for a review of the 17-year-old Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA), which regulates Fonterra to protect the long-term interests of farmers, consumers and the wider economy.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries will consult widely throughout the review, including surveys and formal consultation later in the year and I encourage you all to get involved and have your say,” says O’Connor.
“The review will allow us to take a strategic view of issues facing the dairy industry.
“In particular it will look at open entry and exit for farmers, the raw milk price setting process, contestability for milk, the risks and costs for the sector, and the incentives or disincentives for dairy to move to sustainable, higher-value production and processing.”
O’Connor says the whole dairy sector needs to look ahead to see what trends and potential disruptions are coming our way and get ahead of consumer trends.
“Only through a frank appraisal of the issues will we come to the right conclusions,” he says.
“The dairy industry will be fully consulted throughout the review so that any issues can be given full consideration before any changes happen.
“I look forward to receiving feedback from farmers, dairy processors, consumers and the wider public in the upcoming consultation process.”
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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