NZ meat industry loses $1.5b annually to non-tariff barriers
Wouldn't it be great if the meat industry could get its hands on the $1.5 billion dollars it's missing out on because of non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs)?
National's 2015 Budget has allocated extra funding to strengthen animal welfare systems and biosecurity.
A $10 million package over four years will bolster New Zealand's animal welfare systems, according to Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
"This investment will support changes in the new Animal Welfare Amendment Act, which passed into law this month. These changes have made animal welfare obligations clearer, more transparent and easier to enforce.
"They will also ensure New Zealand is well placed to maintain its strong reputation and world class animal welfare system into the future," Guy says.
The new funding will go towards:
• Developing new regulations through the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
• Improving compliance and enforcement capability.
• Managing the welfare of animals in a civil defence emergency.
Biosecurity funding will also be boosted by $24.9 million over four years, in addition to $2 million of capital funding, to increase our border capabilities.
Minister Guy says the new funding will be used for a range of new biosecurity initiatives, including:
• Improving New Zealand's import health standards to ensure they continue to keep pace with changing science and focus on our highest priority risks.
• Greater auditing of other countries' systems to ensure they are compliant with New Zealand's unique biosecurity requirements.
• Expanding our biosecurity detector dog capacity to manage risk at the border.
• Introducing more x-ray machines to allow for faster screening of increasing passenger volumes.
"This funding will supplement the recently-launched Biosecurity 2025 project, which will provide a clear direction for the biosecurity system and identify any changes or improvements needed over the next 10 years," Guy says.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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