Nationwide Rallies to Protest Against Live Export in New Zealand
TL;DR: In a significant development, New Zealand is witnessing a surge of public dissent as the new government deliberates over reversing the 2021 ban on live exports. This policy, enacted by the previous administration, was celebrated as a monumental stride towards enhancing animal welfare standards in the country. Rachel Poulain, representing End Live Export NZ, […]
China’s Economic Transition Impacts New Zealand Exports
TL;DR: Despite facing significant headwinds, China remains a crucial market for New Zealand’s exports, thanks to the enduring fundamentals that have historically bolstered this trade relationship. A report from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) highlights the ongoing economic transition in China, marked by decreased consumer confidence attributed to rising local government […]
Rabobank Analyst Predicts Economic Relief Ahead
TL;DR: Economic prospects are looking up, with expectations of easing inflation and a potential drop in interest rates later this year, according to Ben Picton, a senior market strategist at Rabobank. Speaking to Rabobank’s food and agribusiness clients in Waikato, Picton shared insights into the bank’s economic forecasts, highlighting a peak in the Official Cash […]
The Role of Soil Carbon in Offsetting Emissions: A Closer Look
TL;DR: In a recent conference in Hastings, the Hawke’s Bay Future Farming Trust shed light on the significant yet often overlooked role of soil carbon in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The “Healthy Soils … Healthy Profits” conference, attended by 140 agri-sector participants, focused on the dual challenge of improving soil health and maintaining profitability in […]
New Zealand’s Dairy Dispute with Canada Intensifies
TL;DR: Trade Minister Todd McClay is set to confront Canada over its dairy policies, which are impacting New Zealand’s dairy exports. At an upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi with global trade ministers, McClay plans to discuss Canada’s non-compliance with the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its subsidised dairy exports to the US, which […]
El Niño’s Arrival: A Test of Patience for New Zealand
TL;DR: Phil Duncan from WeatherWatch reminds us of the Guns N’ Roses lyric, “All we need is just a little patience,” when reflecting on last year’s scepticism towards El Niño. In spring, before any signs appeared, many doubted its arrival with comments like “So much for El Niño”. However, the pattern has now firmly established […]
Field Days: A Resounding Success for Visitors and Exhibitors Alike
TL;DR: Southern Field Days near Gore recently witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with 45,000 attendees marking a record in its history. The event, celebrated for bringing together the agricultural community, saw visitors ready to invest in a variety of products, from four-wheelers and motorbikes to clothing and small implements. This surge in attendance and spending came […]
New Zealand Presses Canada for Compliance on Dairy Quota Dispute
TL;DR: Trade Minister Todd McClay has voiced New Zealand’s determination to address Canada’s ongoing non-compliance with dairy import rules stipulated by the Comprehensive and Progressive TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement. Following a successful challenge using the CPTPP’s dispute resolution mechanisms, New Zealand highlighted issues with Canada’s allocation of low-tariff import quotas, which significantly limited New Zealand […]
New Zealand and US Growers Forge Partnership for Agritech Advancement
TL;DR: In a significant move towards advancing agricultural technology and sustainability, the heads of the Western Growers Association, a leading produce-growing group from California, have visited New Zealand. Their mission is to gain insights into New Zealand’s agritech sector and foster stronger ties between Kiwi and US growers. This visit underscores a shared commitment to […]
Venison Market Shows Resilience Amid Challenges
TL;DR: In a year marked by logistical challenges and shifting consumer preferences, the venison sector has demonstrated notable resilience, ending 2023 on a positive note despite a subdued start. The sector faced a reduction in deer numbers, attributed to the pandemic’s impact on supply chains and a shift towards more accessible proteins. This led to […]
