Labour Supports NZ/India FTA
National's decision to ‘dribble’ information about the NZ/India to Labour contributed to the delay in it deciding to supported the FTA.
Was agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor warned about the risks posed by the Government’s freshwater proposals?
Opposition Ag spokesman Todd Muller thinks so.
He claims that documents released under the Official Information Act have shown multiple instances where O’Connor “was warned of the considerable social and economic impacts to farmers of the Freshwater proposals, but the Minister has ignored them”.
“Briefings from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in June 2019 warned the Minister that the proposals could contribute to reduced production for milk and meat processors, an increased burden on the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and lower land values and profitability.”
Expect this issue to be at the forefront of Muller’s election campaign this year!
Fonterra has announced it will continue with the planned expansion of its organic business into the South Island.
New Zealand farmers have been told they all have amazing people on their farms and have been urged to be “that one person” that can make a huge difference to those going through tough times.
OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.
The stark realities of the world trade that New Zealand is having to face have been revealed by Trade Minister Todd McClay.
New Zealand and the European Union are closer than ever.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) has appointed Nick Beeby as chief executive.