WHAT’S UP with D.O’C...

Pennies From Wellington

Government has loosened purse strings in e orts to aid farmers and growers following recent storms.

“Some areas have recorded unprecedented amounts of rain, which has flooded farmland, damaged infrastructure, and washed away crops,” Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor, said. “[This] comes on top of what has been a challenging and wet season for many in the upper North Island, which compounds the stress. It’s important we [help] farmers and growers.”

Funding of $200,000 will be allocated to Rural Support Trusts that

Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Export Growth

know their communities and what support is required to help people through, Mr O’Connor added.

In addition, Inland Revenue’s Adverse Event Income Equalisation Scheme will enable farmers to even out income fluctuations, spreading gross income from year to year.

FORUMS FAVOUR?

Agricultural trade, climate change and food security topped Damien O’Connor’s list of topics to cover during recent forums in Europe.

“The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is the world’s largest informal conference of agriculture ministers and industry,” he said of the Berlin meetings. “New Zealand’s participation enhances our credentials as a global leader in agricultural innovation along with our exporting brand.”

Mr O’Connor also attended the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Both forums should bear fruit through new, or strengthened, trade agreements, he expects.

“The global economy is moving through strong headwinds, which will bu et New Zealand this year. This year’s World Economic Forum theme, ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’,” resonates for New Zealand especially as we continue to reconnect with the world following the pandemic.”