Bank helps clients reduce emissions
Rabobank says climate change creates both risks and opportunities for the bank and its clients and that the food and agriculture sector needs to recognise the potential for both.
After dropping to an historic low in late 2022, New Zealand farmer sentiment has now crept higher, the first quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey of the year has found.
However, rural confidence remains deep in negative territory overall with only one in 20 farmers holding an optimistic view on the prospects for the agricultural economy in the year ahead.
The latest survey — completed late last month — found farmer confidence was up on the previous quarter (Dec 2022), with the net confidence reading rising to -58%, from -71% previously. The latest survey found the number of farmers expecting conditions in the agricultural economy to improve in the coming 12 months had risen to 5% (from 4% in the previous quarter) while the percentage expecting conditions to worsen fell to 63% (down from 75%). A total of 31% were anticipating the agricultural economy to remain stable (up from 19% previously).
Rabobank New Zealand chief executive Todd Charteris said the uptick in confidence came despite incredibly challenging climatic conditions for many of New Zealand’s primary producers during the early part of 2023.
“With Cyclone Gabrielle battering much of the North Island in February, and parts of the lower South Island impacted by drought in recent months, it really has been a tough start to the year for the country’s farmers and growers,” he said.
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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.
Atiamuri farmers Paul and Lesley Grey never gave up their dream of owning their own farm – and in 2020, that dream came true.