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.
ACT agriculture spokesman Mark Cameron last week wrote to new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins calling for a rethink on agricultural emissions pricing. Here’s his letter:
"I write asking you to consider the financial and regulatory burden that agricultural emissions pricing will place upon growers and producers in New Zealand.
As I am sure you are aware, growers and producers are facing an increasingly challenging economic environment.
In the last financial year alone on-farm inflation in New Zealand has increased by 10.2%.
Prices for fuel, fertiliser, and vehicular repairs and maintenance increased by 54.3%, 23%, and 10.4% respectively last financial year.
On top of increasing production costs, farmers face the added challenge of responding to a range of regulatory pressures such as intensive winter grazing, significant natural areas, and freshwater regulations.
This is no small undertaking considering the current global economic climate.
The seemingly unrelenting pressure of unworkable regulations and high operating costs has already taken its toll on farmers, with farmer confidence in New Zealand sinking to an all-time recorded low.
For Government to place additional regulatory and financial burden upon growers and producers now is nonsensical. If agricultural emissions pricing is implemented many may be forced out of the industry, rural communities will suffer, and mental health may be further impacted.
You have just seen the impact of regulations on the poultry industry: a nationwide shortage of eggs and rising prices for families trying to buy one of the most affordable and healthy sources of protein.
How would you like to see an impact like that imposed upon the entire agricultural sector? In these challenging times the Government needs to stop imposing additional costs upon farmers which will only force production offshore to less-efficient competitors.
Subsequently, I implore you to adopt ACT’s policy of tying agricultural emissions pricing to that of New Zealand’s five major trading partners, ensuring a level playing field for growers and producers in New Zealand.”
Humbling, overwhelming, and an absolute honour. That’s how 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Katrina Roberts describes her win at the Dairy Women’s Network conference earlier this month.
Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative (DGC) is revamping its leadership in the hope of recovering from its financial doldrums.
With just over two weeks left in the 2023-24 season, all eyes will be on Fonterra's opening milk price for the new season.
Fonterra Brands' Cathy Lang has been crowned the country's best cheesemaker for the second time in three years.
James and Debbie Stewart of Dairylands in the Manawatū are no strangers to taking home the silverware.
Troubled milk processor Synlait's share price is taking a hammering as nervous investors offload their stakes.
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