New Zealand and Ireland Extend $34.5m Climate Research Partnership for Agriculture
Ireland and NZ have concluded a deal to extend a joint research programme on climate change.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Japan’s passing of TPP legislation demonstrates their support for international trade liberalisation.
“It’s good to see the world’s third largest economy join New Zealand and show leadership on trade,” says McClay.
“With the Upper House endorsement on December 9, Japan has now completed its parliamentary process for the approval of the TPP Agreement. This follows New Zealand’s passage of the primary legislation necessary to ratify the agreement on November 15.
“This is an important step in the right direction and a signal to other nations,” says McClay.
“We must continue to champion the benefits of openness and inclusiveness. This remains the only way to secure prosperity for our economy and for generations to come.
“New Zealand is trading nation and fair access to markets is essential for the continued growth and stability of our economy.
“We currently have an ambitious trade agenda. We are negotiating regional, multilateral and bilateral agreements and will continue to look for opportunities for New Zealand exporters in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
“Now, more than ever, the world needs leadership on trade and I congratulate Japan for passing their TPP legislation.”
With arable farmers heading into the busy planting season, increasing fuel and fertiliser prices, driven by the Iranian conflict, are a daily and ongoing concern.
OPINION: After two long years of hardship, things are looking up for New Zealand red meat farmers.
A casualty of the storm that hit the Bay of Plenty recently was the cancelation of a field day at a leading Māori kiwifruit orchard at Te Puke.
Michael Wentworth has joined the team at Mission Estate Winery, filling the "big shoes" of former Chief Executive Peter Holley, who resigned in September last year, after almost 30 years running the storied Napier venue.
Some arable farmers are getting out of arable and converting to dairy in the faced of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices on top of a very poor growing season.
The New Zealand seed industry has reached a significant milestone with the completion and approval of the new seed certification system.

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