- Strengthened coordination on fuel crisis
- Todd McClay wraps WTO reform talks
- Government rules out reducing RUCs
- Otago winners at Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.
==============================================
Strengthened coordination on fuel crisis
The move follows risks linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil, gas
and petrochemical products.
Under the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership, New Zealand and 10 other countries
including Singapore, and The United Arab Emirates, have agreed to strengthen coordination
and share information to manage supply chain risks.
The focus is on keeping trade routes open across land, air and sea, ensuring critical inputs
like fuel and fertiliser continue to reach markets.
The agreement also reinforces a commitment to avoid trade restrictions such as export
bans, tariffs and other barriers that could further disrupt supply.
For the primary sector, the emphasis is on maintaining reliable access to fuel and fertiliser,
both critical for on-farm operations and food production.
The countries involved say they will continue working together to keep trade flowing and
supply chains resilient, as global uncertainty continues to pose risks for producers and
exporters.
==============================================
Todd McClay wraps WTO reform talks
Meanwhile Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up negotiations at the
World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, with fuel supply and export
conditions high on the agenda for New Zealand.Todd McClay says while broader reform of the WTO and a global agreement on digital trade
tariffs were not finalised, there is agreement among members that the system needs
modernising. He says securing those outcomes will now shift to further negotiations in
Geneva.
On the sidelines, Todd McClay met with ministers and trade representatives from key
markets, including the United States, China and the European Union, as well as countries
critical to fuel supply chains.
New Zealand is also continuing to push for limits on fisheries and agricultural subsidies, with
the Government aiming to improve returns for exporters and strengthen the position of the
primary sector in global markets.
==========================================================
Government rules out reducing RUCs
The Government has ruled out reducing road user charges, despite a sharp rise in diesel
prices now matching petrol. The increase, driven by global oil disruption linked to the Middle
East conflict, is adding pressure to farmers, contractors and rural businesses relying heavily
on diesel.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says while there is sympathy for diesel users, cutting road
user charges is not being considered.
With diesel users paying tax through road user charges rather than at the pump, the current
price spike is pushing operating costs higher than for petrol vehicles. That is being felt
across the primary sector, where diesel is essential for machinery, transport and on-farm
operations.
For rural industries, the message is that cost pressures are likely to remain, with no
immediate relief expected through changes to road user charges.
===============
Otago winners at Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Luke and Nicole Kane of Westholm Dairies in Tapanui have been named Otago Regional
Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for combining
strong farm performance with environmental stewardship and long-term family vision.
The couple run a 700-cow dairy operation as part of the wider Kane Farms business, on land
that has been in the family for nearly 100 years. Judges highlighted their data-drivenapproach, using detailed financial analysis, precision soil testing and targeted fertiliser use to
lift efficiency while reducing waste.
Technology also plays a key role, with systems in place to monitor herd health and
performance. Their environmental management stood out, with planned winter grazing, a
dedicated cattle feeding pad, fenced waterways and shelter belts all helping protect soils and
waterways.
The win sees them join regional winners from across the country, with the chance to
compete for the national title at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust showcase in
Christchurch on July 2nd.
========================================================
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
