Feds claiming 'some real success' on policy front
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Farmers are counting down the days to when major shareholdings in New Zealand Wool Services International (NZWSI) will be on-sold by the receivers.
"In a green-aware age, bales of wool should be flying out of our woolsheds. As they are not, is why management consultants could describe the wool industry as a 'problem child'," says Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson.
"New Zealand Wool Services International is our largest exporter but two of its major shareholders are in the hands of receivers. This is not a criticism of the receivers. Their role is to keep things ticking over rather than making strategic decisions.
"Wool has a strong future and this future is a discussion point next week in Wellington during Federated Farmers 2012 Meat & Fibre Council meeting.
"In November, HRH the Prince of Wales and patron of the Campaign for Wool is visiting New Zealand. I am certain Prince Charles will catalyse interest in wool as one of the greenest fibres we have.
"The priority is to get WSI's two major shareholders out of the hands of the receivers and into the hands of a company that will grow our industry. Being a Kiwi I would dearly love to see these assets remain in local ownership.
"We need to make progress with consumers and that is what the Campaign for Wool is aimed at. Then we have innovators, like The Formary and Icebreaker, taking wool in bold new directions.
"Finally, we need our largest exporters at the top of their game, no matter who owns them.
"It is why WSI's two major shareholdings need to leave the hands of the receivers and we cannot wait for this to happen," Maxwell says.
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.