Early Bird I Thursday August 15th 2024

Terms of reference revealed for Government inquiry into banks rural and business lending practices, a major feral animal cull is underway on the Chatham Islands, and Canterbury to showcase agricultural practices with innovative farming trail. 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! Terms of reference revealed for Government inquiry into banks rural and business lending practices Parliament has unveiled the framework for a wide-ranging inquiry into banking competition, with a strong focus on rural and business lending practices. This move, initiated by Finance Minister Nicola Willis, fulfils a key coalition commitment and has been met with enthusiasm from the farming community. Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre is satisfied with the broad scope of the inquiry, stating it will leave the banks with nowhere to hide. The investigation will examine several crucial areas affecting New Zealand's agricultural sector, including the current state of competition in rural banking, barriers to market rivalry, and the impact of regulatory policies on farm lending. The inquiry will scrutinise rural banking conditions, including whether the Reserve Bank's stance on greenhouse gas emissions risk has influenced lending rates to agriculture and horticulture sectors. It will also evaluate lending practices to Māori, addressing concerns about banks' reluctance to accept Māori land as loan collateral. McIntyre highlighted that banking concerns have consistently topped Federated Farmers' regular farm confidence surveys. He welcomes the inquiry's comprehensive approach, stating it covers all key issues such as rural banking competition, transparency mechanisms, credit risk models, and open banking. The investigation builds upon a Commerce Commission study that found major banks in New Zealand face limited competition and enjoy higher profitability compared to international counterparts. This new examination aims to uncover how these factors specifically affect rural communities and farm businesses. Federated Farmers are particularly pleased with the involvement of the Primary Production Select Committee, which McIntyre believes will ensure a genuine rural focus. He emphasized the committee members' understanding of rural communities and practical farming experience as crucial to the inquiry's effectiveness. The Finance and Expenditure Committee, along with the Primary Production Committee, will jointly oversee this process. They're tasked with hearing relevant submissions and preparing a dedicated report on rural banking issues. Those wishing to contribute to the inquiry have until September 25 to make a submission.  For an expanded look into this issue, listen to episode 29 of the Country-Wide podcast “Spotlight on Rural Lending” featuring Richard McIntyre Opposition parties cautious on planned gene editing law changes The government's plan to overhaul genetic engineering laws has drawn cautious reactions from Labour and the Greens. While not ruling out eventual support, both parties are calling for more information and public discussion. Current regulations, established around two decades ago amid widespread concern over genetic modification, are set to change. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced plans to end the effective ban on gene editing by late next year, introducing legislation based on Australian models. Labour's technology spokesperson Deborah Russell has emphasised the need for public education and consideration of New Zealand's GMO-free brand before proceeding. The Green Party's Steve Abel echoed these sentiments, advocating for a precautionary, evidence-based approach. The Greens expressed concern about potential downsides, citing increased herbicide use in countries with large-scale GE crop cultivation. Both opposition parties stressed the importance of robust public dialogue before any legislative changes. Technology Minister Judith Collins urged bipartisan support, highlighting the government's commitment to a full select committee process. She emphasised trusting scientific advancements in this field. The Prime Minister has addressed historical arguments against genetic modification, stating that science has progressed significantly since then. He also framed the issue as an opportunity to apply human intellect to technological advancement. The outcome of this legislative process could significantly influence agricultural practices and research opportunities in the coming years. A major feral animal cull is underway on the Chatham Islands, An aerial operation to control feral cattle and pigs is underway on the Chatham Islands, addressing long-standing issues affecting local farmers. The Ministry for Primary Industries funded initiative has already culled 5,400 feral cattle in its first six weeks. Federated Farmers representative Ruby Mullinder says the expanding feral animal population has caused significant damage to infrastructure, reduced feed availability, and harmed unique wetland ecosystems. Mullinder emphasised the need for clear identification of domestic cattle moving forward. This will help maintain the progress made by the current cull and allow for better management of any remaining feral animals. A concurrent freshwater project on the island is offering incentives for pig hunting, complementing MPI's efforts. Mullinder calls for a long-term strategy to manage the feral pig population, which causes extensive environmental damage and livestock losses. MPI's Director of On-Farm Support, Dr. John Roche, says that reducing feral animal numbers will help conserve limited livestock feed and reduce fence damage.  Meanwhile shipping services between Chatham Islands and mainland New Zealand have resumed. The vessel Southern Tiare recently transported a load of sheep and cattle to Timaru, marking the first livestock shipment since March. An estimated 24,000 sheep and 7,000 cattle are still awaiting transport to the mainland, due to significant earlier shipping outages. Canterbury to showcase agricultural practices with innovative farming trail A new walking trail highlighting sustainable farming practices in Canterbury has received approval from the Waimakariri District Council. The council agreed to acquire a narrow strip of land along North Brook Stream, near Rangiora, for just one dollar.. The Waimakariri Landcare Trust, a group of local farmers dedicated to sustainability, is leading this initiative. They're collaborating with the Spark family, who own the land, and the council to create a 1.88-kilometer trail. The project will unfold in three stages eventually allowing walkers and cyclists to link up with the planned Arohatia te Awa Trail along the Ruataniwha Cam River. Information boards along the route will share local history and promote environmentally friendly farming methods. Some planting has already taken place along the stream, with more greenery planned as the trail develops. Geoff Spark, representing the landowner family, says it’s a positive community initiative that will encourage active travel between towns while giving the public access to the attractive North Brook Stream. The council has allocated up to $30,000 from the Arohatia te Awa fund to cover surveying and legal costs. They will also take on maintenance responsibilities for the first stage of the trail once completed. The trail represents a unique collaboration between farmers, landowners, and local government to showcase sustainable agriculture and provide recreational opportunities for the community. The timeline for completion will depend on securing necessary funding. Entries open for 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards The 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now accepting entries, inviting New Zealand farmers and growers to showcase their commitment to sustainable agriculture. These awards, organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, aim to recognize and celebrate excellence in environmentally responsible farming and growing practices across the country's primary sector. The judging process involves a comprehensive evaluation of entire farm systems. Key areas under assessment include water and soil management, climate change mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, waste management, team and community wellbeing, business health, biosecurity measures, and animal welfare standards. The awards program welcomes participants at any stage of their sustainability journey, encouraging a wide range of entries from across the agricultural sector. A feature of the awards is the Catchment Group Showcase. This category acknowledges the collective efforts of rural communities working together to improve water quality, promote sustainable land management practices, and enhance overall environmental outcomes. Entries remain open until October, with initial farm visits scheduled before the end of 2024. Regional awards events will take place in March and April 2025, culminating in the selection of eleven regional supreme winners. These regional champions will then vie for the prestigious Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the national showcase event in June next year in Wellington. Farmers and growers interested in participating can submit their entries through the awards' official website  nzfeawards.org.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.