NZ interests best served when trade flows freely - McClay
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
MPI director-general, Ray Smith believes the downturn actually bottomed out in about January, and since then says things have been on the improve but adds that every sector will have different trajectory or timeline as to when there will be an improvement.
He says the downturn has been short and sharp and hopes the recovery will be fast.
“Dairy will likely bounce back in a year, but it will take longer for meat and wool to get back to past levels,” he says Smith says for dairy, volatility may be the order of day but says there is a likely return to better farmgate pay outs with MPI predicting an $8.50 payout. He notes the problems the red meat sector is facing especially in China, but adds that the US meat market is currently very strong.
For Smith, horticulture is a rising star and says it has a lot going in its favour including consumer strong consumer demand for healthy foods such as kiwifruit. He says the apple and pear sector has recovered very well considering the devastation it suffered with Cyclone Gabrielle.
He says the other thing going for the horticultural sector is that it has the most balanced portfolio of consumer-friendly markets and is not reliant on one main market.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it’s not been an easy year for the sector, but says his government is focused on backing farmers and growers and putting more money in their pockets so they can continue to adapt, evolve and innovate in the future. He says his government has already begun work on reducing the impact of Wellington bureaucrats on farming by cutting red tape and ensuring regulations are fit for purpose.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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