Trade watchers are warning of the food nationalism that has arisen as nations look to make themselves more food secure.
In the short term, that’s wise because no one wants empty supermarket shelves amid a global pandemic. But for the most part, the global food production system works pretty well.
Nations can focus on doing what they do well – here we produce meat, dairy, wool, grains and fruit more sustainably than almost anyone else.
If the nations we sell our food to suddenly lock the door to our exports, that’s not only bad for our economy, it’s probably worse for the global environment.
But food security is not the same as self-sufficiency and in the future the transit of goods around the world will be vital to our wellbeing.
Bryan Gibson
Food nationalisation threat from pandemic
Former trade minister Tim Groser believes dairy prices and exports have fared well amid increasing problems for world trade, exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic.
Foreign worker application frustrates RCNZ
The Government has rejected a bulk application from the Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) on behalf of its members to bring in foreign workers to reduce staff shortages this spring.
Collaboration key to sector’s future
It has never been more important for different parts of the red meat sector to work together, a new report says.
Nats blast new water rules
A National Government is promising to repeal or review the bulk of the current Government’s new freshwater regulations relating to agriculture and allow regional autonomy in meeting compliance.
Delegat pours out profit
Delegat Group has reported a 20% increase in net profit for the 2020 financial year, up $10 million to $60.8m, after selling 3,277,000 cases of wine around the world.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – Denis Collins from Spikey will explain how a farm-scale trial of nitrogen-mitigating technology has attracted $1.7 million in funding.
7.20pm – Wools of New Zealand and Primary Wool Co-operative are discussing a merger. PWC chair Hamish de Lautour explains how this could help rejuvenate NZ's languishing strong wool sector.
7.30pm – Federated Farmers freshwater and environment spokesperson Chris Allen talks through the organisation’s freshwater amendment wishlist.
7.40pm – From Boeing to baling; airline pilots are ready to fly to the rescue of our desperately short-staffed agriculture contractors. Medical and welfare director for the New Zealand Airlines Pilots’ Association Andy Pender shares how they are redeploying across the two industries.