MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
The 2017/18 funding round for MPI's Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) opens today.
"We welcome any groups keen to tackle a shared problem or develop a new opportunity related to the primary industries to apply for the fund," says investment programmes director Justine Gilliland.
"SFF supports farmers and researchers involved at grass-roots level and each year we receive a very high calibre of project applications."
A total of up to $7 million is available this funding round to successful applicants for their projects starting from 1 July 2017.
"We encourage anyone who is interested in applying to contact an MPI investment adviser to discuss their ideas as soon as possible."
Applications close on September 8, 2016. Feedback will be given on ideas and draft applications until August 18, 2016 at which point no further assistance can be given.
Over the past 16 years SFF has invested over $125 million in projects benefiting New Zealand's primary industries.
The funding investment by MPI in each project is supplemented by significant cash co-funding and in-kind support by industry, community groups and individuals.
SFF can fund up to 80% of a project.
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says their joint venture with Alliance Group will create “a dynamic industry competitor”.
Tributes have flowed following the death of former Prime Minister and political and business leader, Jim Bolger. He was 90.
A drop in methane targets announced by the Government this month has pleased farmers but there are concerns that without cross-party support, the targets would change once a Labour-led Government is voted into office.
Farmer shareholders of meat processor Alliance have voted in favour of a proposed $270 million joint venture investment by Irish company, Dawn Meats.
The former chair of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and farmer, Doug Leeder, says rural communities' biggest fear right now is the lack of long-term certainty over environmental regulations.
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