Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
The anonymous letter, addressed to chief executive Graham Smith, was received at Federated Farmers' Wellington offices in late November.
An enclosed plastic bag containing a powder accompanied the letter. Federated Farmers passed both the letter and bag over to the Police.
Since receiving the threat, Federated Farmers has collaborated closely with MPI and other government agencies to assist in their responses.
Federated Farmers president William Rolleston says the letter is of extremely serious concern.
"But I am confident from what I've seen that our regulatory authorities and processors have created formidable barriers to any such threat being carried out."
"I've recently been invited through Fonterra's Canpac plant in Hamilton where they do secondary milk powder packaging as well as the Te Rapa factory, which manufactures 20% of Fonterra's national milk powder production. It's evident that the security surrounding dairy processing in New Zealand is second to none and the tamper proofing of the product is also first class," he says.
Rolleston also says he's been assured that the full resources of the government will be going into assuring customers of the integrity of local product and exports from New Zealand.
"MPI have implemented a comprehensive 1080 testing regime in dairy processing plants which should allay consumer concerns."
Rolleston says the use of 1080 is both a vital and safe means of controlling the spread of bovine tuberculosis between New Zealand dairy herds.
"The significant reduction in bovine Tb incidence over recent years shows 1080 is very effective, while its use has had minimal impact on non-target species."
Police are appealing for any information in relation to the matter and Rolleston says farmers can help in countering the sabotage threat.
"We fully support the Police investigation and I urge any members of Federated Farmers to immediately notify Police if they have any information which may assist the Police in their enquiries," he says.
