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 real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
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