MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is today meeting with farmers in Kaikoura and North Canterbury to see and hear at first hand the issues they are facing as a result on the massive earthquake.
This morning he is in Kaikoura meeting local fishermen who have been affected by the quake especially with the rise in the seabed. This has created problems with berthing vessels and paua and crayfish beds have also been damaged. In Kaikoura, Guy will also meet with dairy farmers who have been unable to get their milk to processing plants because of damaged roads.
This afternoon he is meeting with farmers in Amberley and will then head to Waiau to see more damaged farms and get a first hand picture of the nature and scale of the problem.
The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.
Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says their joint venture with Alliance Group will create “a dynamic industry competitor”.
Tributes have flowed following the death of former Prime Minister and political and business leader, Jim Bolger. He was 90.
A drop in methane targets announced by the Government this month has pleased farmers but there are concerns that without cross-party support, the targets would change once a Labour-led Government is voted into office.