Displaying items by tag: Damien O'Connor

Biosecurity NZ has spoken directly with its Australian counterparts, who have confirmed no live foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease virus has been found on food there, says deputy director general Stuart Anderson.

We've become accustomed to hearing how food and fibre is the backbone of the country's economy, with export revenues hitting $52.2 billion in the year ended June 2022.

The Climate Change Commission has recommended a detailed farm-level pricing system outside the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), according to a new report.

Trade and Export Minister Damien O'Connor has rejected claims that NZ should not have signed the free trade agreement with the European Union and instead kept negotiating and got a better deal.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says that through a new Government-backed programme New Zealand’s apple and pear industry is aiming to become sprayfree by 2050.

As predicted by Rural News, New Zealand and the EU have concluded an historic and long awaited free trade agreement – a deal which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says will save us $100 million in tariffs in the first year the deal takes effect and a further $10 million in the future.

The food and fibre sector acknowledged its people and leadership at last night’s 2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, says Acting Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri.

OPINION: Once again there's a flurry of activity as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister of Trade Damien O'Connor and a band of dedicated officials and leading agricultural representatives fly into Brussels where the powerful European Union is based.

OPINION: Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor's hurried exit from a farming radio interview has left farmers perplexed.

The Government says it is investing to create new product categories and new international markets for strong wool and is calling on Kiwi businesses and consumers to get behind the environmentally friendly fibre.