Early Bird I Friday June 14th 2024

Red tape to be removed around new ag and hort products, cautious optimism over governments banking inquiry, and spending dip expected at Fieldays this year. 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! Red tape to be removed around new ag and hort products Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced a regulatory sector review of the approval process for new agricultural and horticultural products. David Seymour says red tape stops farmers and growers from getting access to products that have been approved by other OECD countries. He says that farmers overseas are using innovative technologies that New Zealand does not have access to. These technologies help reduce methane emissions from animals, accelerate the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, and control pests and diseases with less environmental harm. Seymour warned that without removing these productivity barriers, New Zealand risks falling behind global competitors, which could hinder economic growth through trade. Currently, new products need approval from the Environmental Protection Authority and New Zealand Food Safety. The review will examine the approval process and the overlap between these regulators. However, it will not cover gene technology, which will be addressed separately. Andrew Hoggard believes that New Zealand’s farming and food safety reputation is critical to the sector’s export success. He has stressed the need for access to new technologies and products to stay competitive.  The Ministry for Regulation is currently developing the terms of reference and timetable for the review. Cautious optimism over governments banking inquiry Federated Farmers are cautiously welcoming the Government’s announcement of an independent inquiry into rural banking, but they have reservations about its scope and effectiveness.  Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre calls the announcement a promising first step towards a fairer banking system for farming families. However, he emphasises that significant effort is still required to ensure the inquiry leads to substantial changes for farmers. McIntyre points out that the Government must ensure the inquiry is properly set up from the start, as farmers cannot afford for it to fail. He insists that the inquiry must thoroughly investigate the right issues, talk to the right people, and ask pertinent questions to uncover the true state of rural banking. This includes examining not just the level of competition in rural banking but also the impact of Reserve Bank rules and regulations on farm lending. There is a concern among Federated Farmers that rural issues could be overshadowed by broader concerns about mortgages and personal banking. McIntyre warns that this would be disastrous for Kiwi farmers who have been seeking answers to their long-standing questions. Federated Farmers are seeking assurances from the Government that rural issues will receive adequate scrutiny and prominence during the inquiry process. Federated Farmers say that bringing rural banking issues to light is crucial, and hope this inquiry will provide the necessary transparency. More funding for Rural Support Trusts Rural Support Trusts will have their funding increased to provide additional assistance to farmers and growers under pressure. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says funding for Rural Support Trusts will increase by $250,000, bringing the total to $767,000 a year. Patterson says that  the Government is committed to improving operating conditions for farmers and growers, who have faced significant challenges over the past few years.  The Rural Support Trust is a collective of 14 regional trusts that deliver free and confidential assistance to farmers and growers facing various challenges, including personal, financial, or climate-related issues. Spending dip expected at Fieldays this year. The gates are open and the crowds have been streaming in for Fieldays at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton, but there is an expectation that spending will dip this year due to economic constraints. Chief executive of the National Fieldays Society Peter Nation, says sheep farmers are dealing with low prices, and although dairy prices are rising, profit margins for dairy farmers remain tight. Nation acknowledges that record sales are unlikely but remains optimistic about the overall economic activity at the event. Businesses are still eager to showcase their products, with over 99% of the 1100 exhibitor sites allocated. The Innovation Hub has attracted the highest number of entries in a decade, signaling a strong interest in new tools and ideas to address issues like water quality and climate change. Despite it not being an election year, there is a notable presence of politicians at Fieldays. The Government is promoting its recent policy decisions, including the scrapping of He Waka Eke Noa and the confirmation that agriculture will not enter the Emissions Trading Scheme. Labour leader Chris Hipkins will attend today to visit stalls and speak at the new Advocacy Hub. Listen out to this week’s CountryWide podcast for a special edition from Fieldays where Sarah catches up with Quartz Hill Station farmers Dan & Gee Harper launching their wool into the new Stoney Creek brand, lessons in deferred grazing from AgResearch and how getting the basics right from technology can yield better returns with Gallagher. Search The Country-Wide Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Canterbury A&P show is back on this November This year’s Canterbury A&P Show, now rebranded as the Christchurch Show, will go ahead from November 13-16, with some changes but maintaining the essence of a traditional agricultural show. The event will be jointly organised by the Canterbury A&P Association and the Christchurch company Event Hire. Financial challenges had cast doubt on this year's event when the association’s board initially decided to only hold livestock competitions. The situation was further complicated by the resignation of the Canterbury A&P Association board. With board members stepping down following conflicts with the association’s general committee over the decision to cancel the 2024 show. Phil Anderson, co-owner of Event Hire, says that the association will hold its livestock events and competitions from November 13-15, as initially planned. His company will manage the attractions, including side shows, rides, food, and market stalls from November 14-16, ensuring traditional elements like machinery stands and animal interactions are also featured. In the coming weeks, the parties will confirm the event's finer details and individual contributions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.