Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
THE MINISTRY for Primary Industries (MPI) wants public feedback on options for the sale of raw milk to consumers.
MPI's deputy director general Deborah Roche says any changes would need to balance people's desire to buy and drink raw milk with the requirement that food safety risks are properly dealt with.
"It's clear that there is still a demand for raw milk and that more and different options for its sale need to be considered," Roche says. "It's important people have the opportunity to comment on this matter so that MPI can consider all viewpoints before making any recommendations for change. I would encourage anyone that has an interest in raw milk sales to consumers to have their say."
Outbreaks of foodborne illness where raw milk consumption is a recorded risk factor have been consistently higher since 2009.
MPI consulted on this issue in late 2011 and the feedback showed that a sector of the community wants to be able to buy raw milk for drinking, but more research was needed into the risks of illness from pathogens.
"Since then MPI has done a scientific assessment of the risks associated with drinking raw milk. The study showed that although on-farm practices could reduce the risk of illness from drinking raw milk, there are no hygiene practices that guarantee raw milk would be free of pathogens.
"The study also showed that the chance of outbreaks increases as the number of people drinking raw milk goes up. It estimated that urban people are five times more likely to develop Campylobacter from drinking raw milk, because they are less exposed to pathogens that occur naturally in a farming environment.
"It's important to note that Government has not yet formulated a final policy on this matter. I am encouraging people who produce or buy raw milk, health professionals and the wider public to send us their views on this issue."
The consultation closes on July 8, 2014. Further information can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/consultation/
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters is ratcheting up pressure on Fonterra farmers as they vote on divesting the co-operative’s consumer and related businesses.
Alliance Group's Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been recognised on the world stage, securing top honours at the World Steak Challenge in the Netherlands.
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.