New Zealand’s Government has announced ministerial delegations to support key areas across the Primary sector to deliver for New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. Sources: Timberbiz, RNZ
“I will be supported in my roles as Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Hunting and Fishing, by three Associate Agriculture Ministers, Nicola Grigg (National), Andrew Hoggard (ACT), and Mark Patterson (New Zealand First), who will each have delegated areas of responsibility to provide focus and ministerial dedication.
“These delegations will allow the coalition Government to focus attention on key areas of the Primary sector, providing them the resource and support they deserve.
“New Zealand’s food and fibre sector makes a critically important contribution to our economy and the fabric of our rural and regional communities.
“Taking our lead from the agricultural sector that continues to provide for New Zealand; our team is committed to rebuilding confidence, reducing the burden on farmers caused by unworkable central government policies, meeting farmers and their concerns at the farm gate, and working alongside industry to achieve tangible outcomes for New Zealand’s rural communities over the coming Parliamentary term, so our farmers can spend more time farming,” Mr McClay said.
Just recently Mr McClay said that New Zealand and India were working together to improve trade and address market access issues for timber exports to the South Asian nation.
Easing access for timber exports to India was a key talking point on McClay’s pre-Christmas trip to India, during which he spoke with India’s minister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal.
In a 20 December statement following Mr McClay’s visit, the Indian government acknowledged the joint need to streamline trade processes, reduce barriers and promote a conducive business environment in New Delhi.
“The trade minister of New Zealand appreciated the efforts made by India to sort out the issue related to [the] export of wooden logs to India,” the statement said.
McClay detailed the steps both countries had taken to resolve the issue so far.
“The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority prohibited ship hold methyl bromide fumigation of logs for export, which took effect on 1 January 2023. This was the fumigation method used for log exports from New Zealand to India,” McClay said.
“Biosecurity New Zealand worked with India on an interim phytosanitary option for log exports from New Zealand, which allows fumigation on arrival into India. This ensures trade can continue while New Zealand and India work on other treatment options.”
