28th April 2026 // Rural News in partnership with Farmlands

- NZ-India Free Trade Agreement signed in New Delhi- Govt reviews BSE rules protecting beef exports- Ag climate conference begins tomorrow in WellingtonNZ-India Free Trade Agreement signed in New Delhi New Zealand and India have signed a Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi, opening the door to improved access for agricultural exporters — though industry leaders are cautioning gains won't be immediate. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay say the deal will grow the current three-point-nine-five billion dollar two-way trade relationship, with benefits for meat, dairy, kiwifruit, apples, wool and wood exporters. A thirty percent tariff on sheepmeat will begin to be addressed under the agreement. But Meat Industry Association chair Nathan Guy says exporters shouldn't expect overnight results. The agreement still requires ratification before coming into force, and its real-world impact for farmers will depend heavily on implementation timelines.   Govt reviews BSE rules protecting beef exports New Zealand's biosecurity regulations around ruminant protein are under review, with Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard saying the country's four-point-nine billion dollar beef export sector depends on getting it right. The review of the Biosecurity Ruminant Protein Regulations focuses on preventing BSE — mad cow disease — from entering New Zealand cattle through contaminated feed. New Zealand has never recorded a BSE case, a status that underpins its recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health as a negligible-risk nation. The review addresses risks around cross-contamination and accidental exposure — where animal protein not intended for ruminants is accidentally consumed by cattle. Hoggard says these regulations help keep international markets open to New Zealand beef, and that's never been more important than right now. Farmers can have their say from April twenty-eighth through to June twelfth.   Ag climate conference begins tomorrow in Wellington And the two day Agriculture and Climate Change Conference gets underway in Wellington tomorrow. Organised by the Ag Emissions Centre, AgriZero, and MPI, the focus will be on what changing international markets mean for New Zealand agriculture and how the sector can respond. Trade Minister Todd McClay and Dr Sue Bidrose, former Chief Executive of AgResearch, are among the speakers. Climate communicator Eloise Gibson will host both days, while Sir Edmund Hillary's grandson Alexander Hillary will deliver an aspirational address. The programme covers global market signals, farmer-led innovation, and practical pathways for a more resilient, competitive primary sector. CountryWide Connect will broadcast live from the conference both days from 11am 29th April.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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.