India–New Zealand FTA talks continue in Delhi as officials pursue trade breakthrough
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
The internet is awash with farmers furious at Winston Peters’ decision to back a New Zealand First/Labour coalition.
This morning, Federated Farmers congratulated Jacinda Ardern and coalition partners, and announced they are ready to engage and work with the new coalition government. President Katie Milne said it’s time to cast aside the division that fuelled the election campaign and remember that the country’s future prosperity and economic health depended on sharing a common ground. She encouraged farmers to look ahead with a positive outlook.
Whilst many farmers echoed Feds' move to work together, including Dairy Women’s Network Trustee and DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown, who tweeted “Farmers are New Zealanders too & we all want good outcomes!”, many farmers see what’s ahead as anything but positive.
Ian Healey wrote on Rural News’ Facebook “We are #@#@## now two Muppets together.” Mark Wilson added “Either way he went we were all going to be losers ! But this is going to be a train wreak”. Shirene Mosaed Heffer said “We are in for a rough ride.”
Amongst the majority negative reactions, many famers brought up the issue of MMP no longer being a suitable system for New Zealand’s democracy. “What a crap system that let this happen the way it did. The party with highest % should lead any coalition discussion!” wrote Christine Frost on Dairy News’ Facebook. Chanelle (@Chandy229) tweeted “I want a referendum on MMP ASAP”.
Rural News Group will be monitoring the new coalition government closely over the coming months and how it will affect farmers. Let us know what you think. Tweet us @Rural_News or @Dairy_News, or contact us here.
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.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.