Government Amends Stock Exclusion Regulations for Low-Intensity Grazing
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
McClay says that New Zealand’s prosperity is dependent on international trade as it makes up 60% of the country’s total economic activity.
“It is only through a strong economy that we can reduce the cost of living and pay for quality public services like schools and hospitals,” he says.
“This is a significant achievement for New Zealand and follows more than 15 years of lobbying, persuading and negotiating.”
The agreement secures tariff reductions for kiwifruit, wine, seafood, and several other products and includes commitments on services and investment, ensuring that Kiwis can compete fairly in the EU market in these sectors.
To grow awareness of the opportunities the FTA presents, the Government will undertake an information campaign to help Kiwi businesses grow trade with the EU.
“Trade supports one in four kiwi jobs, and we rely on strong relationships with international partners to increase productivity, grow export opportunity, and boost the resilience of our economy,” McClay says.
The EU is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trade partner, with two-way goods and services trade worth $20.2 billion in 2022, accounting for 10.3% of New Zealand’s total trade in goods and services.
“The EU is an important and trusted partner for New Zealand. We look forward to deepening both economic and people-to-people connections further,” McClay says.
Some of New Zealand’s best-loved food brands have been quick to sign up for a new campaign which reinforces their home-grown status.
New research is helping farmers better understand and manage fertility, with clearer tools and measures to support more robust, productive herds.
Southland crop farmer Mark Dillon took out his fifth New Zealand conventional ploughing title at the NZ Ploughing Championships held over the weekend at Methven.
Ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive and up to date because as a rural contractor you don’t know what’s around the corner.
Waikato farmer Walt Cavendish has stepped down as the spokesman for a controversial farming lobby seeking greater protection for New Zealand farmers against inferior imports.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.

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