Potatoes New Zealand has sounded the alarm over an example of the latter, with the imminent arrival of “dumped” frozen chips from Europe on our shores, grown with the help of generous subsidies. The fear is they threaten hundreds of jobs and, therefore, the imports must be halted.
However, the Government might not be able to provide an overnight solution, as the industry wants. There will have to be an investigation and proof shown to the World Trade Organisation that there is a risk to the NZ industry.
Such matters take time. It’s the price of adhering to rules-based international trade, which has largely benefited NZ.
Chips are down for industry
The New Zealand potato industry is threatened by a tsunami of frozen chips from heavily subsidised European growers and wants the Government to step in to ban any imports before they are dumped on to the local market.
More precise M bovis test
Scientists are developing a more sensitive test to detect Mycoplasma bovis. The work will take at least 14 months and will be needed as the prevalence of the cattle disease lowers and it becomes more difficult to detect.
Lamb shank tops poll
In his day the lamb shank was only good enough for the dogs but Beef + Lamb chief executive Rod Slater says the cut has been voted New Zealand’s favourite, beating out the cherished leg.
Emissions down in Waikato
A drop in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Waikato has come about because of a reduction in dairy cow numbers. Total agricultural emissions are 69% of the total for the region, a 4.2% decline over the past three years.
More red tape in forestry works?
Some in the forestry industry are worried about the prospect of log exporters being forced to become regulated and certified. Minister Shane Jones wants more logs processed in New Zealand but the industry fears growing red tape.
Bennett new Nat ag spokesman
David Bennett is the National Party’s new agriculture spokesman following a shadow cabinet reshuffle by new opposition leader Todd Muller. The Hamilton East MP was Minister for Food Safety in the last National Government and recently has been chairman of the Primary Production Select Committee.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – The humble lamb shank has been voted New Zealand’s favourite lamb cut. We are joined by Beef + Lamb ambassador chef Michael Coughlin to discuss our pride for lamb and what progress we have made in marketing it as a delicacy.
7.20pm – Beef prices in the United States are soaring but bull beef farmers in New Zealand are not feeling it. We get a general market update on beef from AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad.
7.30pm – A member of Parliament since 2005, Hamilton East National MP David Bennett has been named the party's agriculture spokesman following Todd Muller's leadership spill. We will take your questions to find out his stance on how the primary sector is crucial to the post-covid recovery.
7.40pm – Is the potato fries dumping crisis just the tip of the iceberg with New Zealand food security? We speak to Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge about the flow-on effect it is having on growers who are feeling uncertain about planting potatoes.
