Primary sector leaders praise speed and ambition of India–NZ free trade deal
Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just nine months.
OPINION: This old mutt reckons it doesn’t take long for farmer directors to get their noses well and truly in the trough when they get elected to levy organisation boards.
Take, for example, Beef+Lamb director Kate Acland, who was only elected on to the BLNZ board back in March 2021. She has now packed her bags for her first post-Covid overseas jolly – care of farmer levypayers.
Acland was joined by BLNZ chair Andrew Morrison, chief executive Sam McIvor and policy manager Dave Harrison on an all-expenses-paid trip to the EU and UK, described as “a whistle-stop tour meeting agricultural counterparts, farmers, government officials and politicians in the UK and the EU in support of further developing New Zealand’s relationships”.
Oh, and the trip also manages to squeeze in “celebrations” to mark the Meat Board Centenary, with events in London and Brussels. Nice for some!
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.

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