US removes reciprocal tariff on NZ beef
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
Kate Acland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair told Rural News that the results of the annual meeting remits show there is "clearly not a consensus" among sheep and beef farmers on the issue of remaining within He Waka Eke Noa.
Of the 22% of farmers who voted, it was evenly split about B+LNZ's involvement in the process, she says.
"We need to get out there and hear more from all farmers to help us inform the next steps. What is clear from farmers is that there are significant concerns about the emissions pricing system and process and there are still too many unanswered questions. As an interim step, we have called for a staged implementation of an emissions pricing framework with the deferral of any pricing until outstanding issues are resolved.
"Our message to partners and Government has been that we need to take the time to discuss these issues further with our farmers, listen to their concerns and this will help determine next steps. We will be announcing details of this in the coming weeks.
"We have also been explicit that we will not accept an emissions pricing framework that will disproportionately impact the viability of sheep and beef farms and we will walk away, if necessary."
Acland says they are currently in the process of contacting all remit proposers.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.

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