Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.
The awards, run by Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
MPI director of investment, skills and performance, Cheyne Gillooly says the awards provide the opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding employers who put their staff at the heart of their operations.
“We’re on the lookout for employers who go above and beyond by creating productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments for their people.
“2020 was a difficult year for many employers and employees, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the extensive work executed by so many people to keep businesses going.”
The awards are open to all food and fibres sector employers and the businesses that serve them. Entries open today and close at 5pm on 5 February 2021.
Gillooly says good employers are key to attracting, developing, and retaining the skills New Zealand’s food and fibres sector needs now, and in the future.
“Our Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential Roadmap sets goals of employing 10% more Kiwis from all walks of life in the primary sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years.”
He says the roadmap also sets a goal of lifting the value of the New Zealand food and fibre exports by an additional $44 billion over the coming decade.
“Our food and fibre products continue to be sought by consumers around the world, and we need to ensure New Zealand has the right workforce to meet this demand.
“Employers play a critical role in showing that the food and fibres sector is a great place to work, and where people can build long-term, rewarding careers.
“The awards are a great way to showcase employers who are creating workplaces that put people first. Having the right environment to nurture and develop workers is critical to the future of our food and fibres sector.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.