PotatoesNZ says the imports, which are cheap not just because of the glut but also because they get European subsidies, could devastate the growing and processing sector here and lead to job losses so the stakes are high. But, even more important, how we deal with the issue will reflect on our international trading reputation of being fair dealer committed to our free-trade principles so the proof must be convincing.
However, if there is proof of dumping, the practice of selling goods for less than the cost of production just to get rid of them, then our bureaucrats and politicians must take swift and decisive action to protect the local industry. They must forget about the populism of a short-term bonanze for chip eaters because while low prices might last a short time the long-term effect will be a reduction, possibly a massive one, in the amount of spuds grown here leading to long-term price rises that will stick in the throats of spuds fans.
Stephen Bell
Chips glut threatens spud sector
Potatoes New Zealand wants anti-dumping tariffs imposed on imported chips as it fears a real threat to the $1 billion local potato industry.
Stress linked to farm injuries
More than half of farmers injured in on-farm accidents link their accidents to stress associated with farm work, a new report says.
Apiarists feared being stung twice
A stoush between New Zealand Beekeeping and Apiculture NZ has resulted in the beekeepers’ group accusing the national body of shabby, shameful and bullying behaviour, a claim firmly rejected by Apiculture head Karin Kos.
Irrigation awards finalists named
Four New Zealand farmers are finalists in the inaugural Zimmatic Sustainable Irrigation Trailblazer Awards.
Big boost to kiwi numbers
Government funds will be a big help in predator control in the Whangarei Heads area, Northland conservation groups and local authorities say.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – A new generation of agripreneurs has embraced the digital opportunities technology in the primary sector and lockdown saw a rise of incredible innovation. Blinc Innovation director Wim de Koning will join us to discuss the Celebrating Success Awards held in partnership with GlobalHQ.
7.20pm – Carbon-neutral milk, where the product’s greenhouse gases are offset by carbon credits, is the latest value-add from Fonterra. Is it greenwashing or is it the future of marketing our food and fibre and if so how is it calculated? Toitu Envirocare chief executive Becky Lloyd shares what goes on to help brands build environmental certification.
7.30pm – The Government has not been paying attention to the anti-dumping legislation being breached by northern hemisphere chips crashing our domestic market, PotatoesNZ says. We talk to chief executive Chris Claridge about the rise in nationalism around the world and while we might have our human borders shut our potato growers livelihoods are at the mercy of borders wide open to tariff-free fries.
7.40pm – Todd Muller is gone. With 67 days till the election where is the rural vote safest? NZ First agriculture spokesman Mark Patterson joins us to discuss the insurance policy his party can be for rural NZ, his thoughts on the Wool Working Group vision and his election promises for farmers.
