i) Fifteen Asia-Pacific countries sign world’s largest free trade agreement
Fifteen countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand and China, have signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal, the world’s largest free trade agreement.
It is believed to bring an extra $2 billion into New Zealand however, ‘It’s Our Future’ believe that there has been no effective public consultation over the deal, nor does it look like there is great economic benefit to be gained according to the economic modelling.
ii) Welsh Government release latest TB statistics
The latest statistics on TB were released by Welsh Government on 17 November. Cattle slaughterings during the 12 months to August 2020 stood at 10,462, down 18% but from a record high in the previous year.
The recent figures show some encouraging results however progress is not being made as quickly as in some areas of England, in particular in the English badger culling areas which have seen a fall in incidences of 66% and 37% in Gloucestershire and Somerset respectively.
iii) New Acting Chief Executive Officer for British Wool
As Joe Farren stands down from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of British Wool, Andrew Hogley who has been working closely with Mr Farren over the past few years, has been appointed to succeed his position.
Andrew Hogley, a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge and a past research analyst, will be promoted from his current role as Director of Wool Sales & Producer Services.