1st April 2026 // Rural News in partnership with Farmlands

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, gasand petrochemical products.Under the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership, New Zealand and 10 other countriesincluding Singapore, and The United Arab Emirates, have agreed to strengthen coordinationand share information to manage supply chain risks.The focus is on keeping trade routes open across land, air and sea, ensuring critical inputslike fuel and fertiliser continue to reach markets.The agreement also reinforces a commitment to avoid trade restrictions such as exportbans, 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 andsupply chains resilient, as global uncertainty continues to pose risks for producers andexporters.============================================== Todd McClay wraps WTO reform talks Meanwhile Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up negotiations at theWorld Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, with fuel supply and exportconditions high on the agenda for New Zealand.Todd McClay says while broader reform of the WTO and a global agreement on digital tradetariffs were not finalised, there is agreement among members that the system needsmodernising. He says securing those outcomes will now shift to further negotiations inGeneva.On the sidelines, Todd McClay met with ministers and trade representatives from keymarkets, including the United States, China and the European Union, as well as countriescritical to fuel supply chains.New Zealand is also continuing to push for limits on fisheries and agricultural subsidies, withthe Government aiming to improve returns for exporters and strengthen the position of theprimary sector in global markets.========================================================== Government rules out reducing RUCsThe Government has ruled out reducing road user charges, despite a sharp rise in dieselprices now matching petrol. The increase, driven by global oil disruption linked to the MiddleEast conflict, is adding pressure to farmers, contractors and rural businesses relying heavilyon diesel.Finance Minister Nicola Willis says while there is sympathy for diesel users, cutting roaduser charges is not being considered.With diesel users paying tax through road user charges rather than at the pump, the currentprice spike is pushing operating costs higher than for petrol vehicles. That is being feltacross the primary sector, where diesel is essential for machinery, transport and on-farmoperations.For rural industries, the message is that cost pressures are likely to remain, with noimmediate relief expected through changes to road user charges.=============== Otago winners at Ballance Farm Environment AwardsLuke and Nicole Kane of Westholm Dairies in Tapanui have been named Otago RegionalSupreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, recognised for combiningstrong 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 landthat 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 tolift efficiency while reducing waste.Technology also plays a key role, with systems in place to monitor herd health andperformance. Their environmental management stood out, with planned winter grazing, adedicated cattle feeding pad, fenced waterways and shelter belts all helping protect soils andwaterways.The win sees them join regional winners from across the country, with the chance tocompete for the national title at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust showcase inChristchurch on July 2nd.========================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.