Election 2026: How Parties Would Lift the Arable Sector
As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
McClay says that significant rainfall and flooding over the summer have caused damage to farms and orchards while also impacting freight, transport and other infrastructure.
"Farmers and growers have shown significant resilience getting through recent storms and ensuring the welfare of their animals. These workshops will help in emergency preparedness," he says.
The catchment emergency preparedness workshops will be held across the country with a rural resilience roadshow set to be held on the West Coast this month.
Mark Patterson, Rural Communities Minister, says rural communities are highly exposed to the impacts of emergencies, and preparation is key.
"The workshops are designed to be practical to help rural New Zealanders prepare for and respond to adverse events," he says.
A farm emergency plan template and an adverse event preparedness checklist for farmers can be found on the Good Farm website or on MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-rural-support/adverse-events/preparing-for-adverse-events.
Additional details for workshops will be available on the events section of the NZ Landcare Trust website closer to the time.
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.
Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.
Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.
Canterbury milk processor, Synlait Milk has confirmed Leon Fung as its chief executive officer.
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