ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
The position supports key Government objectives, including ensuring New Zealand’s trading partners understand approach to agriculture and primary production and on raising the performance of agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer.
“I have asked Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”
Guy is a dairy farmer and agribusiness leader. He served as Minister for Primary Industries between 2013 and 2017.
He is currently the chairman of the Meat Industry Association and independent chair of Apiculture New Zealand.
McClay says Guy’s background promoting New Zealand’s producers both as a Minister and as a farmer means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world.
Guy replaces Hamish Marr, who has held the SATE role since 2023.
“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” McClay says.
“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”
Guy will take up the role on 1 January 2026.
Former Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.
Fonterra executive René Dedoncker is leaving the co-operative later this year to lead Australian agribusiness Elders.
Alliance Group and the Southland Stags rugby team have joined forces in a partnership that will see the the meat co-operative's farmgate brand feature on players' team kits and replica jerseys.
Fonterra's plan to expand its organic programme to the South Island is being well received by farmers, the co-op says.
Voting has started for the renewal of DairyNZ's milksolids levy.
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.

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