Hon David Carter - News

Govt announces new pastoral lease rent policy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:08:15 +1200

A new system for setting rents for South Island high country pastoral leases administered by the Crown has been approved by Cabinet, Agriculture Minister David Carter and Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson announced today.

The new system implements the Government’s strategic direction for Crown pastoral land, announced last year, which specified that rent should be charged based on the earning capacity of a property.

Mr Williamson says the new system for setting rents takes into account a number of factors, including the productive capacity of the lease and pastoral economic conditions.

"The way rents are currently calculated is complicated and costly and often produces disputes over both the process used and the result," he says.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says the new system will provide greater certainty to farmers.

"It is simpler to administer, more transparent and provides a fair rent. It will allow farmers to get on with the job of farming and looking after the high country rather than fighting bureaucracy."

Officials have worked closely with the High Country Accord, a representative group for Crown pastoral lessees, during the development of the new policy.

There are 231 pastoral leases, mainly in Canterbury and Central Otago, which represent around 1.6 million hectares of pastoral land.

Officials will begin drafting legislation to implement the policy, and the Government hopes to introduce a Bill into the House later this year.

The public will have the chance to make submissions on the Bill during the Select Committee phase of the passage of legislation.

Further information on the proposed rent-setting process, including Cabinet papers and questions and answers, is available on the Land Information New Zealand website: http://www.linz.govt.nz

DIRA extension key to competitive dairy markets

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:38:49 +1200

The Government is to extend the pro-competitive conditions placed on dairy co-operative Fonterra and has committed to reviewing the eligibility criteria for access to regulated raw milk.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says the conditions contained in the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) give farmers choice about who they supply milk to, and provide an incentive to price milk competitively.

"When Fonterra was formed, it was placed in a privileged position as the dominant market player. This required rules to ensure a competitive and innovative dairy industry," says Mr Carter.

The Act contains triggers, or sunset clauses, that could have been met some time next year.

"At this point, the Government is not confident there would be sufficient competition in the dairy industry to protect the long-term interests of farmers and consumers," says Mr Carter.

"The Government has agreed to set new triggers at a Fonterra market share of 80% in the North Island, and in the South Island, excluding the area covered by the Westland Regional Council. At that time, a full review will look at the ongoing need for the DIRA.

"This is not about reducing Fonterra’s market share. It is about delivering fair and open competition and innovation to the New Zealand dairy sector.

"Concerns were also raised in submissions to the recent review of the DIRA about the eligibility criteria for access by independent processors to regulated raw milk. The Government has acknowledged these concerns, and will consider them in a review of the criteria.

"Fonterra is proposing substantive changes to its capital structure, including a proposal to allow its shares to be traded amongst its farmers (TAF). This will require further significant changes to the DIRA to ensure ongoing competition in the sector.

"This extension to the Act provided regulatory certainty while the Government awaits the capital structure proposals.

"The Government anticipates receiving a detailed proposal from Fonterra in the near future to allow time for full public consultation to take place and for Fonterra to meet its goal of having TAF in place by late next year," says Mr Carter.

Click here for background on DIRA.

Government applauds meat sector strategy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:49:55 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter has congratulated the Meat Industry Association and Beef + Lamb New Zealand on joining forces with a plan to lift the performance of the meat industry.

"There is no doubt that greater co-operation is critical for the meat industry to lift its game so today’s announcement of a joint strategy is exactly the action needed," says Mr Carter.

"It has been widely acknowledged for some time that status quo for the industry is unacceptable, but there has been a frustrating lack of action. This must change.

"Our farmers are efficient and innovative producers of high value products and the world is demanding more. We’re getting record high prices for our meat in the UK. Yet the industry is struggling.

"This partnership between the two industry organisations representing farmers and processors is an obvious link to the future profitability of the sector."

Mr Carter says swift action is needed to capture the top-end of the market and the world’s most discerning customers.

"I congratulate the Meat Industry Association and Beef + Lamb New Zealand for recognising this and adopting a collaborative approach. It is important this strategy is developed by the sector, for the sector.

"The Government has committed to supporting this initiative because we must all work together to bring back much-needed profitability to this industry," Mr Carter says.

Government widens funding for irrigation schemes

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:38:40 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter today announced changes to the Community Irrigation Fund to help fast track the development of agricultural irrigation schemes.

"Accelerating reliable and environmentally sound irrigation to secure access to fresh water is one of the most obvious ways to boost primary sector growth," says Mr Carter.

The Government is extending the scope of the Community Irrigation Fund to speed up and improve the management of irrigation scheme developments and reduce costs.

"While the size of the fund remains the same, its eligibility criteria will widen to cover the funding of technical design work for irrigation schemes and training for scheme developers in areas such as financial management and community and local government management skills," says Mr Carter.

"What won’t change is the need for applicants to demonstrate very sound environmental standards and processes.

"Access to fresh water is vital for growing our primary industries but getting an irrigation scheme off the ground is a complex, time consuming process.

"The Community Irrigation Fund plays a key role in supporting local communities and regional councils to develop irrigation schemes and water strategies."

For information visit: www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/cif

Animal welfare bill passes into law

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:14:00 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter has welcomed the unanimous passing today of legislation that significantly raises penalties for cruelty to animals.

The Animal Welfare Amendment Act will increase the maximum sentences and fines for animal ill-treatment and neglect, and redefine the way some offences are described.

"This legislation sends a clear message that serious offending against animals will not be tolerated," says Mr Carter.

"The unanimous support it received in Parliament reflects the fact that New Zealanders want strong laws to protect animals from harm."

The Act expands the threshold for the offence of wilful ill-treatment – the most serious animal welfare offence – and it adds a new offence of reckless ill-treatment.

The maximum sentence for wilful ill-treatment of an animal increases from three to five years and the maximum fine will double to $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a body corporate.

Penalties also increase for a range of other neglect and ill-treatment offences and the Act expands the law relating to forfeiture of animals and disqualification from having custody of animals.

New Zealand first to wipe out the ‘Aussie mozzie’

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:18:09 +1200

Health Minister Tony Ryall and Biosecurity Minister David Carter say officials have today declared New Zealand free of the Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito, the first country in the world to wipe out the ‘Aussie mozzie’.

The mosquito, a vicious day-time biter capable of carrying Ross River Virus, has been successfully eradicated following an 11-year programme. The last mosquito larvae were found in December 2008.

"Ross River Virus can be very debilitating and it is a huge achievement for New Zealand to be the first country in the world, we are advised, to successfully wipe out this saltmarsh mosquito," says Mr Ryall.

Responsibility for the eradication programme was handed over by the Ministry of Health to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand in 2006.

"The economic impact of this mosquito establishing permanently was estimated at around $120 million for direct health costs alone, let alone lost productivity, the likely impacts on tourism and the costs of mosquito control" says Mr Carter.

From today MAF takes over responsibility from the Ministry of Health for the surveillance of mosquitoes that may be found in salt marshes around New Zealand. Health will continue mosquito surveillance at the country’s ports and airports.

Link to more information: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/southern-saltmarsh-mosquito

‘Yes' vote a major step forward for Fonterra

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:22:18 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter is pleased that Fonterra shareholders have delivered such a resounding result on the reform of the cooperative's capital structure.

"This is a critical step towards Fonterra developing a more stable capital base," says Mr Carter.

"The result shows that Fonterra management listened to its farmers and delivered a package that meets both the objectives of the cooperative and its shareholders.

"The Government's goal is to promote a vibrant and innovative dairy sector by ensuring that the market for farmers' milk is contestable and that open entry and exit is maintained."

Mr Carter says that pending the final design of Fonterra's capital structure, the Government in consultation with all dairy industry stakeholders will determine how the current regulatory regime should be modified.

"This will allow Fonterra's capital structure changes to proceed while ensuring that the Government's contestability objectives are met on a continuing basis."

Welfare code for sheep and beef cattle released

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:00:00 +1200

Sheep and beef cattle are now covered by a code of animal welfare like that already in place for deer and dairy cattle.

Agriculture Minister, David Carter, has issued the Animal Welfare (Sheep & Beef Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010 which sets down minimum standards for the farming of sheep and beef cattle.

"Like the codes of welfare in place for dairy cattle and deer, this covers all areas of stock management including food and water, shade and shelter, pre-transport selection and health," says Mr Carter.

"The code encourages all those involved in the farming of sheep and beef cattle to adopt the highest standards of animal handling and care.

"As with all codes of animal welfare, it provides guidelines that should leave farmers in no doubt about the standards of welfare they should meet," Mr Carter says.

Click here for Animal Welfare (Sheep & Beef Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010

David Carter from Fieldays 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:23:23 +1200

David talks about Fieldays and the agriculture sector as an economic powerhouse - many images from the event are part of the video.

Ministers attending closer economic relations forum

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:05:00 +1200

The Ministers of Commerce, Agriculture, and Trade are meeting with their Australian counterparts in Canberra tomorrow for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial Forum.

The forum provides an opportunity for New Zealand and Australia to review and progress the bilateral trade and economic relationship.

"In the current economic climate it's critical we work together towards a truly single economic market, which will have benefits for both countries in reducing business costs, and increasing productivity and innovation," Commerce Minister Simon Power said.

"There's a high level of shared political commitment on both sides of the Tasman to strengthen and deepen our relationship and I believe this meeting will see more good progress on achieving our ultimate goal of a single economic market."

The agenda includes progressing the 27 regulatory outcomes identified by the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers in August last year, as well as comparing notes on domestic developments.

Trade Minister Tim Groser said Ministers will also have a chance to discuss a number of broader issues of shared interest.

"Australia remains New Zealand's closest partner, and I look forward to reaffirming and strengthening our close cooperation on regional and global trade and economic issues that matter to Australasia, including the WTO Doha Round negotiations and the prospect of a Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement."

Agriculture and Forestry Minister David Carter said the meeting was timely on several fronts.

"It provides a valuable opportunity to update Australia on the development of the Global Research Alliance and other climate change initiatives, progress the streamlining of trans-Tasman travel, and examine ways we can work together to combat illegal logging."

The forum is also the final opportunity to resolve any outstanding bilateral issues before the visit of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to New Zealand on 29 June.

Australia will be represented at the forum by Trade Minister Simon Crean, Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law Minister Chris Bowen, and Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke.

Government delivers on pest management promise

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1200

Crown land will be required to meet ‘good neighbour' obligations in regional pest management strategies, Biosecurity Minister David Carter has announced today.

"This means all land owners in New Zealand will be bound to control pests, such as rabbits and wilding trees, so that they don't ‘spill over' and affect their neighbours," says Mr Carter.

"Today's announcement delivers on National's promise to ensure that the Crown meets its obligations as a responsible landowner and to develop a unified approach to pest management for all land."

Mr Carter today released a proposed Pest Management Plan of Action for public consultation to support this approach.

"The cost of established pests to our economy runs close to $1.9 billion a year - $1.15 billion of lost production and $719 million in directly preventing pests from arriving in New Zealand and managing them once they are here.

"The proposed Plan of Action looks at ways to ensure our pest management strategies limit this cost, and meet the needs of today and challenges of tomorrow," says Mr Carter.

"This will help drive a new national policy direction which will further strengthen and align pest management plans as they are developed."

Mr Carter acknowledged the constructive engagement of regional councils in the process so far, and said it reflects a strong and shared commitment to effective biosecurity.

"Work still needs to be done to ensure that pest management strategies deliver the best protection possible and impose equitable costs on all landowners. I am optimistic that this approach will be made easier by the Government's decisions," Mr Carter says.

Government urges vote on Fonterra capital plan

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter is calling on Fonterra's farmer-shareholders to exercise their vote on the proposed capital restructure of the company.

"The Government's goal is to promote a vibrant and innovative dairy sector by ensuring that the market for farmers' milk is contestable and that open entry and exit is maintained," says Mr Carter.

This means that suppliers must be able to buy and sell Fonterra shares in a timely manner and at a fair and reasonable price so they can freely supply the processor of their choice, or change land use.

"The Government also shares and supports Fonterra's objective of changing its capital structure to make its capital base more sustainable and robust and to secure new capital for growth," Mr Carter says.

"But the decision on Fonterra's new capital structure sits squarely with its shareholders who have until 30 June to vote.

"All New Zealanders have a vested interest in the success of our dairy industry because it is a significant contributor to the economy, accounting for almost 30 percent of the value of total merchandise exports.

"The Government aims to ensure that the industry operates efficiently and can secure the capital necessary to contribute to New Zealand's economic growth.

"If Fonterra's shareholders approve the current proposal, and pending Fonterra's final design decisions, the Government in consultation with all dairy industry stakeholders will determine how the current regulatory regime should be modified.

"This would allow Fonterra's capital structure changes to proceed while ensuring that the Government's contestability objectives are met on a continuing basis," Mr Carter says.

Rain helps but drought effects linger

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 28 May 2010 10:06:00 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter is urging drought-affected farmers to plan for a tough winter and spring, despite rain falling over the country this week.

"While the rain is a welcome relief and should return soil moisture levels to normal in most areas, the full impact of the drought will last for some time yet," Mr Carter says.

"The Government recognises this and is expanding its assistance package to the Wairarapa and North Canterbury. We are also keeping the assistance in place for other affected areas."

The assistance package includes farm management advice, welfare support and funding for Rural Support Trusts. In addition, Inland Revenue will offer some flexibility within its Income Equalisation Scheme.

"This winter looks like it will be a difficult one for farmers around the country. It could be weeks or even months before there will be sufficient pasture cover to adequately feed stock, and the financial effects will be felt for some time," says Mr Carter.

"With temperatures now falling, grass growth is much slower and many farmers have already used up supplementary feed supplies.

"It's important to have a plan in place. Do a feed budget, do a recovery plan and seek help early from the local Rural Support Trusts."

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff will continue to actively monitor the situation and work with local Rural Support Trusts, regional councils, Federated Farmers and industry bodies.

Commercial animal slaughter code released

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:04:00 +1200

Agriculture Minister David Carter has today issued a new code of welfare that sets down minimum standards for the commercial slaughter of animals.

Mr Carter says the Animal Welfare (Commercial Slaughter) Code of Welfare 2010 provides clear guidelines for humane slaughter practices and should leave operators in no doubt about the standards of welfare they should meet.

The code requires all animals commercially slaughtered in New Zealand to be stunned prior to slaughter. The code also covers pre-slaughter handling procedures to minimise stress and the use of well-trained personnel.

"New Zealand has a well-deserved reputation for animal welfare and the new code reinforces this. It aims to encourage all those involved with the commercial slaughter of animals to adopt the highest standards of welfare," says Mr Carter.

"Pre-slaughter stunning of animals is already widely done by commercial operators in New Zealand and the new code provides for a more consistent approach.

"The code also reflects the advances made in humane slaughter methods and technology over the last four decades," Mr Carter says.

Green light on Primary Growth Partnership projects

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:14:00 +1200

Agriculture and Forestry Minister David Carter says New Zealand stands to benefit enormously from more than $45 million in government-industry partnerships announced today.

Projects planned by the New Zealand Forest Owners' Association, the Foundation for Arable Research and the New Zealand Merino Company are the first to receive funding from the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP).

The three primary sector organisations will receive between them $20m over five to seven years under the government-industry partnership which was announced in Budget 2009. With industry funding, the value of the partnerships are expected to exceed $45 million.

Mr Carter says the economic spins-offs could amount to billions of dollars if the proposals' scientific and market research and product development are brought to fruition.

"These proposals are of a very high quality, and stand to deliver enormous returns on investment.

"When the PGP was launched in September last year, the aim was to transform great ideas into research, development, and ultimately products, jobs and growth.

"Since then, industry participants have been working hard at refining business plans to provide evidence of how their proposals will add significant value to the New Zealand economy.

"Today's announcement is just the start of the PGP, and with more business cases coming forward we will soon be realising the full benefits of this Government's commitment to research and innovation," Mr Carter says.

Details of the bids are available at www.maf.govt.nz/pgp/