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90% of livestock farmers met their NAIT obligations in 2021.
MPI says its push on NAIT compliance is paying off with almost 90% of livestock farmers meeting their obligations in 2021.
However, it is warning against any complacency, despite rates of compliance with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme continuing to rise.
The scheme maintains a national database of cattle and deer movements.
"It's a critical part of New Zealand's ability to respond quickly to biosecurity threats," says MPI national manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Gray Harrison.
"We take non-compliance seriously because of the potentially devastating effect these threats can have on industry and communities," he adds.
"Up to 2018, only about 60% of tagged animals were being registered before first movement. Since 2019, MPI and OSPRI, which maintains the NAIT database, have renewed efforts to improve compliance, and the compliance rate is up to 90% this year."
MPI prosecuted 18 people in charge of animals for failing to meet their obligations under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme in 2021.
In addition, it issued 1,782 infringements, and 2,372 written warnings.
"It's having the desired effect, but we can't afford complacency," Harrison adds.
"Our message to people with animals, which come under the NAIT scheme, is that we all need to do our part to protect New Zealand. For our part, we will continue to keep a close eye on NAIT compliance."
Harrison believes amendments to penalties in the NAIT Act, which increased the maximum penalty tenfold to $100,000 in late 2019, sends a strong message - that people need to treat this scheme very seriously.
"If you are unsure about what you need to do, please reach out," he adds.
"There is plenty of information, advice and support available. Visit the OSPRI website for details."
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have put in over the last few years which have resulted in horticulture exports expected to reach the milestone of $8 billion this year.
The first phase of a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices has been completed.
The ongoing rise of the Chinese middle class will drag up demand for New Zealand products there in the future.
The chair of the Otago Rural Support Trust, Tom Pinckney, says he believes that they will be especially busy in the coming months as the enormity of the floods hit home.
Time matters in a biosecurity response, says Ryan Higgs, Chief Executive of biosecurity technology company Onside.
New Zealand's red meat exports for 2024 finished on a positive note, with total export value increasing 17% over last December to reach $1.04 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
One of the most important events in the history of the primary sector that happened 143 years ago was celebrated in style at Parliament recently.
Many companies are financially mortally wounded by the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and may have to sell up because of their high debt levels.
AgResearch scientists have collected the first known data showing behavioural developmental impacts on lambs whose mothers were treated with long-acting drugs for parasites.
Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner, North, Mike Inglis says the $2.4 million cost of a recent biosecurity operation in South Auckland is small compared to the potential economic impact of an incursion.
Primary sector groups appear to be generally supportive of the Gene Technology Bill currently before parliamentarians.
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