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Daily Digest: June 24, 2020

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade calls them non-tariff barriers. A plain speaker might better describe them as subsidies.
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Right now there appears to be a growth industry in them with nearly 80 World Trade Organisation members notifying more than 100 new barriers or restrictions in March alone.

The wood processing industry is a victim of them. It lauds a new report on moves to boost investment in the sector but points out the elephant in the room is the high price processors have to pay for logs – an additional $20-$30 a tonne because they are forced to match prices paid by subsidised Chinese companies.

Nevertheless, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise reports interest in investing in processing, noting just a few investors could have a big impact.

GMO opponents celebrate

Northland regional councillors have reversed a decision not to include provisions to manage genetically modified organisms in the council’s regional plan, a move welcomed by GMO opponents as a victory.

Farm sales tumble

A 32% fall in May farm sales compared to last year has been described as a savage reduction by the Real Estate Institute. It blames the covid-19 lockdown, drought and tougher lending criteria.

Service helps drought management

A free feed-planning service has shown a Hastings family the stark gap between the energy requirements of their stock and the feed on their farm. As a result they bought in some supplies and adjusted farming techniques.

Kiwi processors can’t compete

Forestry industry head Dr Jon Tanner has praised a new report on domestic wood processing but says it fails to address the issue of highly priced logs and the fact overseas manufacturers are highly subsidised.

New Feds arable chairman

South Canterbury cropping farmer Colin Hurst is the new chairman of Federated Farmers’ arable section. As the reigning arable farmer of the year he brings high credibility to the role. 

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