Farmer confidence dips slightly, but positivity still dominates
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Todd Charteris says Rabobank was committed to playing a role to help transition the New Zealand agri sector to a higher production - lower carbon future.
"We've made a start on this journey by signing up to the United Natios net zero global alliance, benchmarking the non-financial aspects of client businesses to ensure we are banking with responsible farmers and growers, and undergoing Toitu accreditation to enable us to report on our own emissions," he says.
"We're also finalising a new white paper which looks at the climate change challenge for New Zealand agri-business and expands on some of the ideas and actions I've outlined.
"This paper will be released in the coming weeks and our intention is to engage with farmers, industry stakeholders and politicians over the months ahead to discuss the paper's key findings and how the bank can work together with others to steer the coming food transition."
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.