OSPRI Reduces TB Testing and Lifts Movement Controls in Key Regions
Ospri is reducing TB testing frequencies and movement control measures as the disease risk subsidies in parts of the country.
Farmers and meat processors are welcoming the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiations in Tokyo.
During the recent negotiations, officials resolved the outstanding issues and have agreed to meet in Chile to sign the agreement on March 8.
Sam McIvor, chief executive of B+LNZ, says the conclusion of the agreement represents good news for sheep and beef farmers and all New Zealanders.
“The sector understands there have been no changes to the original market access conditions which will open multiple markets in Japan, Mexico, Peru and Canada where New Zealand red meat faces tariffs of up to 50%.
“It will also benefit communities in New Zealand as exports from the sector support 80,000 jobs and families across New Zealand."
Tim Ritchie, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, says the CPTPP will put New Zealand on a level playing field with other major red meat exporters to the Asia Pacific region, such as Australia and the European Union – especially in Japan where the sector has already lost significant market share.
“B+LNZ and MIA thank Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Trade Minister David Parker, and the numerous officials who have worked hard to conclude the negotiations,” he says.
New Zealand's diverse cheesemaking talent shone brightly last night as the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA) crowned the champions of the 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards.
Tracing has indicated that the source of the first velvetleaf find of the 2025-26 crop season, in Auckland, was likely maize purchased in the Waikato region.
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.

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