RMA amendments 'will be a relief to farmers'
The Government’s announcement that a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) could be introduced in Parliament next month will be a relief to farmers, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
The red meat sector welcomes the announcement today that all steps are now completed to enable the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to enter into force before the year end.
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea is a significant step towards reducing the overall amount of tariffs paid on New Zealand red meat exports.
Tariffs of almost $323 million were paid on New Zealand red meat exports in 2014. A significant proportion of those tariffs were paid in Korea ($64 million) – where applied tariffs are 40% on beef.
The Korea FTA is critical for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers and meat exporters, ensuring New Zealand remains competitive in this key market.
Korea is New Zealand's fourth-largest beef market by volume, taking nearly $123 million of beef exports last year.
However, trade volumes have dropped in recent years, partly due to competitors such as the United States, and more recently Australia and Canada, having a tariff advantage through their FTAs with Korea.
New Zealand red meat exports will benefit from two rounds of tariff cuts in quick succession – the first on entry-into-force of the agreement on 20 December, and a second round of cuts on 1 January 2016.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA) work together to improve access for sheep and beef products to overseas markets, including by providing in-depth analysis in support of the Government's FTA negotiation efforts.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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