Farmers Unhappy With New RMA Replacement Bills
Farmers are unhappy with the Government's replacement legislation for the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Time is running out for farmers to have their say on funding two important primary sector programmes.
The New Zealand Meat Board is proposing to continue funding the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) genetics programme with a contribution of up to $700,000 and providing up to $1 million towards a new facial eczema research project.
NZMB chair Kate Acland says sheep and beef farmers were sent a joint NZMB and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) mail-out last month, with information on the NZMB online annual meeting on March 15 and the proposals.
Farmers can provide feedback on funding the programmes by completing a form enclosed in the mail-out or by visiting the feedback page on the NZMB website. They can also register for the Annual Meeting by visiting the registration page.
Acland says she strongly encourages farmers to share their views by the closing date on 13 March.
“It’s important we’re funding projects that are relevant to farmer needs, so we’d really value feedback on the two proposed projects,” she says.
“These funds have two purposes. Firstly, as a contingency fund for the industry to restore international market confidence following a catastrophic event such as a Foot and Mouth outbreak, and secondly, as a fund for industry good projects.”
By the end of this year, the Meat Board is expected to be managing ten export quotas with an approximate export value of just under $3 billion.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
Stefan and Rachel Grobecker were named Share Farmers of the Year at last night's 2026 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards dinner.

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