Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
SEEKING AN outcome to the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, consistent with the vision agreed in the 2011 Honolulu statements, will be a top priority for the Government this year, Prime Minister John Key told Parliament yesterday.
"This includes comprehensive duty-free access to markets together with improved conditions for services, investment and government procurement markets," he said in his statement to Parliament.
"Successfully concluding the TPP agreement would significantly improve New Zealand's access to some of the world's largest economies, including the United States and Japan.
"The Government will also pursue opportunities to improve New Zealand's access to other overseas markets, including through trade negotiations with Korea, India, the Russia/Belarus/Kazakhstan Customs Union, and the 16 countries that make up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
"Building on the recently agreed Bali package, New Zealand remains committed to working towards the eventual conclusion of the World Trade Organisation's Doha Round.
He said ministers will continue their comprehensive programme of trade delegations focused on Asia.
"The reputation of New Zealand's food sector for quality and safety is critically important for our success as an exporting country. While the whey protein concentrate inquiry confirmed that our regulatory processes are among the best in the world, the Government is committed to ensuring the system can respond to challenges that may lie ahead.
"This year we will implement the recommendations of the inquiry, including investing more in food safety, and look to establish a centre for food safety science and research."
The Government will also continue to support the Primary Growth Partnership, which drives innovation in primary industries through long-term research programmes, jointly funded by government and industry, he said. A total of 17 programmes have been announced, with a total funding commitment from government and industry of $700 million.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
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