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.
Ag Minister Damien O’Connor has warned farmers that if they don’t take account of climate change in their production systems they could be jeopardising access to major markets.
He says customers worldwide expect producers to look at the implications of climate change. If they fail in this NZ could face more trade barriers in negotiations with the EU and UK especially.
“They are expecting us to be part of the climate change movement,” he told the Agricultural Climate Change conference in Palmerston North last week.
Farmers may not always get an extra dollar for doing this but must make some changes to be allowed to keep operating. However some of the changes may see farmers get paid more for the value they offer.
O’Connor concedes that some farmers find dealing with greenhouse gas issues scary, as do many people.
“Farmers are dealing day to day with climatic issues and uncertain pricing; so to add another layer of complexity with climate change obligations is a big concern. But we have to address that, giving farmers clear honest signals and then offering them pathways to try to address these things.”
O’Connor says farmers have been receiving confusing signals, but there are many young farmers out there, and older ones, who get it.
“They just want to know what they have to do to meet the obligations and they must get the clarity they seek via guidelines and advice.”
It’s important to ensure that if farmers make change they will be heading in the right direction, O’Connor says.
“We can’t expect them to keep chopping and changing on the basis of different science or different levels of knowledge.”
It’s important to make the Emissions Trading Scheme work for farmers, he says.
“It may not be simple but it has to be workable and pragmatic with better outcomes.”
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.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.