Tuesday, 12 December 2023 08:55

Live animal exports worth $500m

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the new Government will be working to overturn the ban on live exports.

Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says live exports of animals is a $500m trade that the country cannot afford to do without.

Patterson says the new Government will be working to overturn the ban placed by the former Labour Government.

"We will tidy up legislation so that animal welfare and safety of staff are paramount," he says.

Live cattle exports earn about $320 million annually for farmers and exporters. NZ cattle exports have helped China build their dairy herd, with nearly 135,000 cattle exported in 2021.

However, in April this year, labour banned livestock exports after an independent review said they could damage New Zealand's reputation regarding animal welfare. The reversal of the livestock exports ban is part of the coalition deal between National and NZ First. ACT also supports lifting the ban.

Dairy News understands new legislation around reversing the ban could be tabled in Parliament by the middle of next year.

More like this

Election 2026: How Parties Would Lift the Arable Sector

As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:

Patterson: Rural NZ Faces a "Massive" Infrastructure Deficit

The Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Patterson, says there's a massive infrastructure deficit in rural areas.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

Rural Vote Debate on Q&A: Substance or Just Platitudes?

It was billed as a chance for all the political parties to woo the rural vote, but question marks hang over just how effective this was.

Mark Patterson Promotes NZ Wool at India's Bharat Textile Expo

Just a matter of hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to New Zealand, the political doors in India swung wide open for Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson, who was there to help promote our high-quality coarse wool.

Featured

Federated Farmers Welcomes ACT’s New Farming Policies

Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.

Agricultural Vehicle Rule Changes Welcomed by Rural Contractors NZ

Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.

Final call for Alliance’s 2027 Graduate Programme

Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.

Welding Safety on Farms: One Farmer’s Burns Lesson

Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.