Irish show how it's done
MPI director general Ray Smith reckons NZ has a lot to learn from the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority – called Teagasc (pronounced ‘Chog us’).
Ireland's Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, led a contingent of Irish businesses to the Fieldays last week.
Among their products were innovative agritechnology and machinery tested in the challenging Irish climate. Passing this test makes the equipment ideal for New Zealand conditions, Humphreys said.
Ireland see NZ as a key element in its current and future export strategy via direct sales and partnering with NZ companies.
“Many see significant potential for long term relationships because of the similarity of the two countries’ agricultural bases. This enables Irish agri solutions to seamlessly and successfully integrate with NZ agricultural landscapes,” she told Rural News.
The two countries share a similar outlook and values which set the foundation for a growing commercial relationship
“I see this going from strength to strength,” she says.
Humphreys said the embassies set up recently by both countries will help deepen the relationship.
Ireland and New Zealand have much in common culturally, and many opportunities exist to deep and strengthen that relationship with the advent of Brexit.
“Because of this obviously NZ is going to be looking for an EU base and what better place to choose than Ireland?” Humphreys asks.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.