Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Today, public consultation begins on a series of proposals designed to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system.
Included in those proposals are higher fines for passengers bringing in undeclared high-risk goods, greater flexibility surrounding import requirements, and fairer cost sharing for biosecurity responses.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the future is about resilience, adding that the current Biosecurity Act – which is 30 years old – requires updating.
“A number of potential amendments are proposed to ensure it remains resilient and fit for the future,” Hoggard says.
He says New Zealand’s relative freedom from pests and diseases play a significant role in New Zealand’s competitive advantage, underpinning the country’s $53 billion food and fibre export industry.
“The Act is the legislative framework for the system that enables us to manage biosecurity risk and protect the economy and environment from harmful incursions,” Hoggard says. “This is important work, and we need input from primary industries, mana whenua, local authorities and the wider public to ensure we’ve got it right.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will lead the policy programme to amend the Act.
Consultation materials, including seven discussion documents setting out policy proposals for change are on MPI’s website and can be accessed by visiting https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
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