Early Bird I Wednesday November 27th 2024

Government marks one year of rural reforms and support, local pork farmers battle imported meat flood, and farmers take lead in Tukutuki River catchment management. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   Government marks one year of rural reforms and support In a comprehensive review of its first year supporting New Zealand's primary sector, the Government has outlined a strategic approach aimed at reducing costs, cutting bureaucratic hurdles, and championing rural communities. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighted the critical importance of farming, emphasizing that 80 percent of goods exports come from the primary sector, with over 359,000 New Zealanders employed through rural activities. The Government's ambitious goal is to double export values within a decade by working closely with farmers, growers, fishers, and foresters. The past year has seen significant reforms across multiple areas of rural support. On cost reduction, the Government introduced practical measures including sensible water storage rules, more straightforward regulations for winter grazing, and halving annual Emissions Trading Scheme charges for forest owners. They've also paused the rollout of Freshwater Farm Plans to provide farmers with greater operational clarity. Emissions and environmental strategies have taken center stage, with the Government disbanding the previous He Waka Eke Noa partnership, launching an independent review of methane targets, and passing legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme. These actions demonstrate a commitment to balanced environmental approaches that support farmers Rural community support has also been a focus. The Government increased the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme worker cap, launched a banking select committee inquiry, boosted Rural Support Trusts funding, and supported graduate veterinarian recruitment. The Government is reforming gene technology regulations, it restored log exports to India, and launched international marketing campaigns for New Zealand lamb and beef. Significant trade agreements with the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council have opened new market opportunities.   Local pork farmers battle imported meat flood New Zealand's pork industry is facing extra challenges as imported meat floods the market, with nearly 62 percent of pork consumed coming from overseas sources. NZPork has revealed a stark landscape where local farmers struggle to compete against international imports that often do not meet New Zealand's stringent animal welfare standards. Between January and September this year, New Zealand imported 66,686 carcass weight equivalent tonnes of pork, compared to local production of just 41,099 tonnes. The highest volume of imports originates from the United States, Canada, Spain, and includes significant quantities from Germany, Denmark, Finland, and Australia. Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork, warns that these imports pose significant risks, coming from countries with dramatically different farming practices, including those managing ongoing African Swine Fever outbreaks, which could potentially threaten New Zealand's disease-free herds. While local farmers are prohibited from using gestation stalls, many imported pork sources allow extended confinement of sows. Our regulations strictly control piglet management, veterinary oversight, and housing conditions - standards not consistently matched by international suppliers. Country of origin labelling adds another layer of complexity. Current regulations allow products to use prominent New Zealand branding, with small-print origin details that can mislead consumers seeking to support local farmers.  The export market offers little relief, with New Zealand exporting merely three percent of its production to neighboring Pacific nations including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.   Primary sector faces potential $20 billion hit from gene technology changes A groundbreaking economic study warns that New Zealand could lose between 10 and 20 billion dollars in export revenues if genetically modified organisms are released into the environment. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research conducted the report for Organics Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting significant economic risks in proposed gene technology regulatory changes. Economists Dr. Bill Kaye-Blake and Thomas Hughes authored the NZIER report and have raised critical concerns about the government's proposed regulatory approach. Their report points out a fundamental oversight: the current proposal lacks a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Statement, economic assessment, or detailed cost-benefit analysis. The study meticulously evaluates New Zealand's current GE-free status, examining the value premium this provides to primary sector exporters and the tourism industry. Researchers discovered that the potential environmental release of GMOs could dramatically reshape the country's economic landscape. NZIER's analysis emphasizes the need for a balanced, thorough examination of gene technology's potential impacts. While acknowledging the technology's possible benefits, the economists stress the importance of understanding complete economic consequences. The report underscores a critical message: any discussion of gene technology must include a comprehensive analysis of all economic actors and quantitative impacts. Current proposals appear to overlook the substantial economic risks to New Zealand's primary sector. Organics Aotearoa New Zealand is taking decisive action, with a delegation preparing to meet decision-makers in Wellington this December. Their goal is to ensure policymakers fully understand the potential economic ramifications of proposed gene technology deregulation.   Beef industry calls for farmer input in genetic tool development Beef farmers have a critical opportunity to influence the future of the country's beef industry through a key genetic research survey. The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme is conducting its fourth annual industry-wide survey, inviting farmers, breeding experts, veterinarians, and rural professionals to share their perspectives on genetic tools and technologies. Running until Monday, December 9, the survey represents a pivotal moment for the sector. The seven-year INZB programme aims to generate an additional $460 million in profits over the next 25 years by developing targeted genetic evaluation systems that address New Zealand farmers' specific needs. Programme lead Dr Gemma Jenkins says the insights gathered directly shape programme activities and resource development. Farmers are encouraged to participate, even if they've completed previous surveys, as this helps track evolving attitudes and genetic tool adoption. Key survey objectives include understanding current genetic knowledge, identifying educational needs, and mapping the industry's technological progress. Earlier surveys have already driven meaningful changes, including targeted educational resources like field days, breeding workshops, and webinars focused on Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). Recent survey data highlighted growing awareness of genetic technologies, with the industry seeing increased interest in across-breed progeny testing and artificial insemination techniques that can improve herd quality and productivity. Completing the survey takes less than 10 minutes, you go in a draw to win a $100 Prezzy card and a premium meat pack valued at $260. Farmers can access the survey at www.inzb-survey.com and play a vital role in shaping the future of their industry.   Farmers take lead in Tukutuki River catchment management Farmers in the Tukituki River region are set to play a pivotal role in developing comprehensive environmental and agricultural strategies through an innovative, farmer-led catchment management initiative. Tukituki Land Care will embark on an ambitious project visiting all 17 sub-catchments during the first week of December, inviting local farmers and growers to contribute their local knowledge and practical insights. Chairman Richard Hilson says the organization aims to create practical, affordable environmental solutions that make a genuine difference. While not expecting universal participation, Hilson believes that the more farmers involved, the greater the potential impact. The project represents a unique partnership between scientific expertise and farming experience. Environment, Innovation and Strategy Ltd is compiling detailed scientific data including erosion maps, water monitoring information, and land use capabilities. However, the true value lies in farmers' on-the-ground knowledge that will transform technical data into workable solutions. Each sub-catchment will receive a tailored one-page work plan. Crucially, these plans are not about imposing regulations, but creating a roadmap for improving water quality, enhancing farm productivity, and potentially unlocking future funding opportunities. Two-hour workshops across each sub-catchment will provide farmers an opportunity to review scientific findings and refine proposals specific to their area. For those unable to attend, the organization promises to share comprehensive findings early next year. Farmers interested in participating can find workshop details and registration information at www.tukitukilandcare.org/the-big-picture, or click on the link in the description.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.