Labour criticizes government for stifling agricultural growth
Labour's agriculture spokesperson says the Government’s decisions are set to hamstring growth within the farming sector.
OPINION: Your canine crusader reckons the recent immigration reset by the Government, restricting the inflow of 'low-skilled' migrant workers into the country, is not only myopic and ideological but also poorly thought-out policy.
The union powerbrokers - who run and control the Labour Party - mistakenly believe that turning off the tap to 'low-skilled' migrants will see all the vacant jobs in the horticulture, farming and other sectors suddenly filled by hordes of 'hard working' unemployed Kiwis.
That is fanciful.
One only has to look at the evidence from last year, when Covid closed our borders, and the number of unharvested apples, kiwifruit and grapes that were left to rot, and the rural contractors who could not get tractor drivers.
Those with the mistaken belief that all migrant workers coming to NZ to work on farms are 'low-skilled' should take a good look at this year's NZ Dairy Industry Awards winners!
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.