Concerns mount over US-China trade spat
New Zealand trade officials are watching the escalating trade war between the US and China with mounting concern and anxiety.
The US Government is rolling out US$12 billion worth of aid to farmers caught up in trade wars, triggered by President Donald Trump.
The US plans to provide subsidies to farmers and buy unsold crops, among other measures; farmers of commodities like soybeans, sorghum and wheat will receive most of the aid.
Trump had promised the aid after fierce criticism from farmers, an important part of his support base. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the trade war is costing US farmers about US$11 billion.
US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue yesterday announced that the USDA will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from “unjustified retaliation”.
“Specifically, USDA will authorise up to US$12 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated US$11 billion impact of the unjustified retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural goods. These programs will assist agricultural producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets.
“This is a short-term solution to allow President Trump time to work on long-term trade deals to benefit agriculture and the entire U.S. economy,” Perdue says.
He says the President promised to “have the back of every American farmer and rancher, and he knows the importance of keeping our rural economy strong”.
The first assistance is expected to be distributed by the beginning of September.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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.
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