India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
The Hound reckons if you needed any more proof of how much the Greens loathe farming, look at the recent reshuffling of its portfolio responsibilities.
With the recent change in the party’s ‘co-leadership’ (how very Green) from Aussie communist Russel Norman to supposed ‘business-friendly’ wunderkid James Shaw, the party has decided on a portfolio reshuffle. But the change that truly caught your canine crusader’s attention was the move to shift the hapless and ineffective anti-GE campaigner Stefan Browning out of the primary industries role and replace him with former Forest & Bird tree-hugger and fervent anti-farming critic Eugenie Sage. Watch out for an all-out attack on the farming sector by the Green’s hypothetical primary industries spokesperson.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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