Farmers hit by regulatory overload – Luxon – Gerald Piddock :
It’s tough being a farmer in New Zealand at the moment, National leader Christopher Luxon says.
Speaking at Fieldays, Luxon said the sector is being hit by “regulatory overload” that is confusing and at cross purposes.
“I often describe it like playing tennis and getting 10 tennis balls coming across at you at the same time,” he said.
A stock-take of the rules is needed to work out which ones are inconsistent or could have bad consequences. . .
Prices hold steady at latest GDT auction but are there warning signs for farmers in scope-3 pressures? – Point of Order :
Prices held steady at the latest Fonterra GDT auction. In USD terms, they were up 0.6% to an average $US3610, a smaller rise than the 2.4% at the previous auction.
WMP prices held steady at $US3400 but SMP and cheddar both rose. Cheddar was up 1.8% to $US4826, SMP about +1.7% to $US3102. Butter meanwhile was down 1.9% $US4725.
However things were undermined in NZ dollar terms. Overall prices dropped 2% in local currency as the NZD continues its puzzling rise. That means in local currency prices are down 15% over the past two months, compared with the equivalent 9% drop in the USD.
None of this shows NZ is getting on top of its of deteriorating current account deficit. . .
Council review a chance to achieve better ratepayer equity Feds says – Simon Edwards:
Yet another local government review is underway – but will its recommendations actually be picked up, especially regarding cost fairness?
The existing system of property value rates is loaded against agriculture. Farmers pay many more times than other residents for council services and infrastructure, even though some of those services aren’t even available to rural residents, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“Reviews have come and gone before with no real change.
“We know that councils have tools to allocate costs more equitably, such as per property charges and differentials, but councillors tend to be mindful of the voting majorities in urban areas.” . .
Helius gains certification key to export success :
Helius Therapeutics has received Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) certification at its purpose-built medicinal cannabis facility in East Tamaki, Auckland.
Recognised globally, GACP is a leading certification standard for medicinal cannabis. It outlines minimum requirements for growers in creating high quality, consistent flower.
“Achieving GACP is another key milestone for the Helius team in our journey to full site certification. GACP is a well-recognised requirement for medicinal cannabis in many countries. Gaining this certification will only open more doors as we now unleash our export strategy,” says Carmen Doran, chief executive of Helius Therapeutics.
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Shaun the sheep joins the flock at Rotorua’s agrodome :
Rotorua’s Agrodome has a new addition to the flock – a cheeky and mischievous little sheep who is famous around the globe.
Movie and TV star Shaun the sheep is here in Aotearoa! He’s on his long awaited OE and after a whirlwind tour of the country has arrived at his new home.
The Agrodome is a long way from his Mossy Bottom Farm home in England but Shaun is excitedly settling in with his new woolly mates and pal Bitzer.
Agrodome General Manager David Blackmore says, “Shaun is an iconic and lovable sheep and we’re looking forward to welcoming families to the Agrodome to meet him. I’m sure Shaun’s antics, jokes and pranks that he’s renowned for will keep everyone amused. . .
Homepaddock 