Friday, March 29, 2024

My Daily Digest: November 24, 2020

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Logistics infrastructure limitations exposed  Ongoing disruption at ports and container depots is bad news for primary sector exporters – and it does not look likely to improve any time soon.
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There’s been all sorts of reasons given for the current delays, but what the problem has done is highlight infrastructure bottlenecks that already existed, particularly in the upper North Island.

The Government will need to spend more on infrastructure, such as road and rail links, if the primary sector is to continue its heavy lifting of the economy. After all, there’s no point in farmers and growers producing for the export market if those products can’t get there because it’s are stuck in a truck on the Auckland motorway.

Freight handling and container forwarding businesses near the ports of Auckland and Tauranga have their own struggles because of the high cost of industrial land, which is being driven up by land banking.

These logistics infrastructure limitations are nothing new, and central and local government need to work with industry to find some solutions sooner rather than later.

To continue relying on such a fragile system is playing Russian roulette with the livelihoods of farmers and growers, and the overall economy.

Colin Williscroft 

Pandemic pressure hits export supply chain

Exporters can expect frustrating delays for container deliveries port schedules over the peak of the export season, as logistics and trucking companies struggle with supply chain bottlenecks.

NZ-China relationship can withstand friction

The New Zealand-China relationship is mature enough to withstand any friction, but exporters also need to diversify, chief trade negotiator Vangelis Vitalis says.

Primary sector contribution significant, PM says

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged the role of the primary sector in keeping the country moving over the past nine months when parts of the economy had shut down.


Blockchain consortium launched

Blockchain technology has cemented its place in New Zealand’s primary sector with the launch of a consortium aimed specifically at promoting technology for producers and marketers.

 

On Farm Story: Business diversity brings rewards

Simon and Pip Todhunter run a diversified farming-based business on the Kaikoura coast, which means they have plenty of balls in the air to keep an eye on.

Tonight on Sarah’s Country: 

7:10pm – The new Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) is open for contributions as it targets a working budget. Chair Rob Hewett will explain how to become involved.   

7:20pm – An investment fund aims to raise money to purchase SunGold kiwifruit orchards. Origin Capital Partners’ Dominic Jones joins us.  

7:30pm –  A 50% drop in fuel consumption and a dramatic boost to accuracy are key benefits of using GPS-based technology says 2020 Ballance Farm Environment finalist Brendon Williams.  

7:40pm – After three decades of dedication and contributions to the rural sector, Plant & Food Research soil scientist Dr Trish Fraser received the 2020 Women of Influence Award (Rural Category).

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