Following constructive discussion at the Industry Conference in Queenstown, a dedicated Export Licensing Working Group (ELWG) was formed. It is now actively evaluating the merits of export licensing for velvet.

On 29 May, the coalition Government started the formal consultation process to reform national direction under the Resource Management Act (RMA). Luka Jansen, Environmental Stewardship Manager at Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), is urging all deer farmers to get involved as they know best what works on the ground – and what doesn’t.

DINZ Market Activation Manager Virginia Connell attended the National Restaurant Association tradeshow – with its 12 (American) football fields of exhibition space – in mid-May and provides a recap here.

Market visits and MOUs | Deer farmer’s edible wrap nets global interest and more | Meet and Greet: Rusty Andrews | India FTA an opportunity for NZ venison and velvet? | New bill could benefit deer milk processors | Conference Roundup | NZDFA: Die-hards | Apiti move opens door for next generation | IFP project on a roll | Southern winter management reminders | CSA deer fencing helps keep waterways clean | Royal recognition | Reindeer farming in Norway | Animal Health: To scan or not to scan? | Venison ragout with berries

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dong’e Ejiao, one of China’s largest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) companies. The MOU represents a commitment to exploring joint opportunities in the research, development and marketing of deer products, particularly in velvet – prized in China for its traditional medicinal properties.

DINZ Chief Executive Rhys Griffiths shares some thoughts after returning recently from China, where meetings revealed both exciting market potential and growing challenges.

Leaders from across the livestock sector have come together with the Government to sign a new agreement on how to prepare and respond in the unlikely event of a foot and mouth disease outbreak.