Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
New Zealand is in the process of renegotiating the free trade agreement with China, Prime Minister John Key says.
He told a China Business Summit in Auckland today that FTA has been so massively successful; we have done a lot better than most parties thought.
"We are in the process of renegotiating the FTA. I think it is very important; it is the next milestone."
Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lutong said we will be the first developed nation to renegotiate a bi-lateral agreement with China.
Key said two-way investment would be very important and the next step in the relationship.
Talking about Fonterra's decision to invest into Chinese infant formula company Beingmate Key said the Chinese company is a massive player and Fonterra is a huge global player. "If you want access to international markets you want integration and you want it fast."
With the infant baby formula, there had been changes from the Chinese Government which had seen some consolidation. He said the market was growing rapidly and there won't be lots and lots of players, there would be a few.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
Global dairy giant Lactalis has integrated its Australian operations with the Mainland Dairy consumer business it acquired from Fonterra earlier this year.
After almost two decades of sharemilking, saving and building equity, Aaron and Marcia Flay this year realised their long-held dream of settling on their first dairy farm.
Good medium to long term prospects for NZ beef, especially in the US, has heighted the focus on various initiatives to capitalise on this situation.
High country stations, mixed sheep and beef farms, Māori-owned farms, corporates and family operations are among the nine commercial farms taking part in the Livestock Innovation Farming Transformation programme, known as LIFT.

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