Editorial: Now the Hard Work Begins
OPINION: After much wrangling, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India is a step closer to fruition.
Trade policy specialist Wade Armstrong has been appointed one of two government representatives on the New Zealand Meat Board.
Armstrong has extensive experience as a principal advisor trade policy with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), where his career has spanned more than three decades. He has had eight overseas postings, including as ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), High Commissioner to Canada, and ambassador to the European Union in Brussels.
He is part of the MFAT Trade and Economic team which is responsible for New Zealand's trade negotiating effort at the WTO and for Free Trade Agreements, including the current Trans Pacific, Korea and India negotiations.
Armstrong replaces Alastair Bisley who served on the New Zealand Meat Board from 2004-2012.
The board includes six farmer representatives and two processor-exporter appointees as well as two government appointees.
The New Zealand Meat Board has two functions – quota management and reserves management. Country-Specific Quotas managed by the New Zealand Meat Board on behalf of the Government are the sheep meat and goat meat quotas to the European Union, the High Quality Beef Quota to the European Union, and the Beef and Veal Quota to the United States.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.

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