Why treaty bill is still relevant
OPINION: Last month marked the beginning of the political year, beginning with Waitangi Day.
Incoming Minister for Food Safety and Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard says he’s “really excited” to get those roles.
“Food safety and biosecurity are really important roles for a nation economically dependent on exporting safe and nutritious food,” he told Rural News.
Hoggard is also the Associate Minister for Agriculture overseeing animal welfare and skills. His roles are outside of Cabinet.
“The associate environment role will probably be where a lot of energy has to go in first up, as we deal with issues around the freshwater regulations,” he says.
Hoggard’s rise in national politics has been meteoric. Just six months ago, he was president of Federated Farmers and fighting on behalf of farmers against an avalanche of regulations lobbed by the previous Labour Government.
Hoggard resigned from Federated two months before his term was due to expire, after media reports linked him to an ACT Party ticket. The party confirmed his candidacy shortly after.
The Manawatu dairy farmer was ranked fifth on ACT’s list, ahead of sitting MPs.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…