Editorial: RSE Review - A Timely Move
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
Export revenue from New Zealand's food and fibre sector is expected to reach a record $52.2 billion in the year to June 30, 2022.
Dairy export revenue is on track to reach a record high of $21.6 billion, 13% higher than the previous year.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, released last week, shows that this will be the first time we've hit more than $50 billion in food and fibre exports, an increase of almost 10% on the previous year.
"This is a tremendous result for the sector as farmers, growers and others in the supply chains who play such a critical role in our economy.
"They have continued to deliver quality products for Kiwis and overseas consumers while navigating global disruption and uncertainty.
"Our markets abroad are demanding high-quality products that are made with care, and this report indicates our exporters are responding to these market signals.
"To that end, the Government is investing to support farmers and growers to deliver food and fibre with low emissions and high sustainablity, which will provide us economic security."
Damien O'Connor said the SOPI, released by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), forecast significant growth across the majority of our food and fibre exports.
After almost two decades of sharemilking, saving and building equity, Aaron and Marcia Flay this year realised their long-held dream of settling on their first dairy farm.
Good medium to long term prospects for NZ beef, especially in the US, has heighted the focus on various initiatives to capitalise on this situation.
High country stations, mixed sheep and beef farms, Māori-owned farms, corporates and family operations are among the nine commercial farms taking part in the Livestock Innovation Farming Transformation programme, known as LIFT.
OPINION: New health and safety guidance unveiled by the Government recently provides farmers greater certainty about what is expected of them when managing risks on farm.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Code of Welfare for Rodeos.
A New Zealand initiative supporting farmers to restore the health of grazing landscapes has received international backing through the Regenerative Fund for Nature, a global collaborative fund supporting regenerative agriculture and the communities that produce natural fibres for the fashion industry.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.