Government

Parliamentary committee hears of value in tuning up Indo-Pacific trade agreement.

Red Meat Sector Conference warned of ‘rough ride ahead’.

West Coast farmers criticize a 27% rates hike by their council, citing financial strain and inadequate service benefits for rural communities.

Food safety minister to press for review of new infant formula labelling rules.

Climate change is too important to be tied up in partisan politics, says Alan Emerson.

The boots-on-the-ground meeting included reps from DairyNZ, BLNZ, Groundswell, Rural Women, Young Farmers, Rural Support Trust, and other farming groups.  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledges it’s a tough time for Kiwi farmers, with on-farm inflation and interest rates through the roof; pledges to cut red tape and boost economic.

Refusing to engage or compromise is no way to run politics or sectoral reform, says Phil Weir.

Farming leaders propose shift in approach on freshwater.

Tell councils to hold off until new regulations are in place, Federated Farmers asks.

EPA to be approached for permission to conduct ‘contained outdoor’ research on GEO crop.

Alan Emerson comes away from the Primary Industries Summit and Awards in Wellington full of hope.

Ian Strahan says if we kneecap our regions economically with impractical regulations, the environment will also suffer.

Mark Hooper says farmers need resource consents almost every time they turn around, whether to move a bore, build a herd home, or often even just to farm.

Government says the fragmented and overly competitive science sector has fundamental issues that need addressing.

Appointing a highly credible and independent panel of scientists is the right approach to take, and Federated Farmers look forward to engaging in the process.

Endeavour Fund Investment Plan makes up to $55m a year available for research.

Regional Infrastructure Fund could help get community storage schemes off the ground, IrrigationNZ says.

Draft policy under ‘refreshed target approach’ expected at the end of next year.

Government announces public consultation plans as mass petition against lifting ban is delivered to Parliament.

Government and BNZ commit funds to programme to reduce agricultural emissions.

Internationally, farmers are rewarded for adopting technology to address methane, says Kate Acland.

NZ’s biggest NZFA branch lobbies to have concerns heard by government.

Live Export New Zealand expects New Zealand's live export ban to be lifted soon, backed by new, stringent animal welfare regulations.

Co-op hosts premiers of China and NZ in Auckland.

Announcement of process review met with delight in primary sector.

A sector as economically and socially crucial as agriculture cannot be dragooned into any half-baked schemes, writes Neal Wallace.

Federated Farmers' West Coast president stresses ongoing advocacy despite government changes, highlighting farmer representation's importance.

Regulatory sector review on approval process for new ag and horticultural products will take about a year.

Resilience, and recovery from natural hazards ought to be priorities, insurance council says.

Lobby group welcomes NZ's decision to disband HWEN, emphasising fair and affordable climate policies for the agricultural sector.

Hoggard says ‘big step forward’ will ensure OSPRI has the right tools.

Experts warn that if the government does not police agricultural emissions, the market increasingly will – in a way that may make less sense.

Sets out intention to reform advisory committee and get it to ‘reprioritise’ its reviews.

Select committee members disgruntled by response, says chair.

Co-funding drawn from Regional Infrastructure Fund will speed progress on a range of projects.