Friday, 20 December 2024 10:55

Opportunity for more integration crucial - DairyNZ

Written by  Staff Reporters
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker. DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.

DairyNZ says a more integrated and sustainably-funded biosecurity system is needed as part of changes to the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Earlier this year, the Government announced a public consultation on amendments to the Biosecurity Act  in a bid to strengthen the biosecurity system.

DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says a strong biosecurity system is crucial to safeguard and protect the future of New Zealand dairy farming.

“The current system is fragmented and is funded through multiple levies, each with their own legislative provisions and administration,” Parker says.

He says the different programmes often have the same stakeholders and this duplication is frustrating for many farmers.

“We would like to see a more integrated and sustainably-funded biosecurity system that prioritises investment in readiness to make sure we are prepared for any future biosecurity events,” Parker says.

In its submission, DairyNZ highlights the proposed changes to the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for readiness and response, and provides feedback on proposed changes to compensation settings and eligibility under the Act.

Parker says New Zealand needs to invest in appropriate system-wide preparedness for major biosecurity events to reduce the impact on the sector.

“Our current Biosecurity Act is over 30 years old, and these new proposed amendments will look to modernize the act,” he says.

“Change is needed and DairyNZ welcomes the opportunity to work with the Government to make sure the voices of dairy farmers are heard.

“We remain focused on talking to our farmers around the country to share updates, information, answer questions, provide examples and represent their views during this important consultation period,” Parker concludes.

More like this

Featured

CNH Tech Chief on Autonomous Machinery, AI in Farming

While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.

National

Machinery & Products

Suzuki Launches Jimny Horizon

Suzuki New Zealand has announced the arrival of the latest version of its Jimny SUV, the Horizon special edition, a…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Domestic Focus

OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…

A No-Brainer

OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter