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A Bay of Plenty dairy farmer who discovered an animal limb in PKE did the right thing by calling the biosecurity hotline, says Federated Farmers.
But systems improvements are needed by MPI, it says.
Federated Farmers is relieved that DNA testing on an animal part is now confirmed to be a local sheep. The limb was orginally suspected by the MPI to be foreign.
"Confirmation by DNA testing that the animal limb is local and a sheep is a huge relief for all farmers," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson.
"Can we again stress that the Bay of Plenty dairy farmer who discovered the contaminant did the right thing in calling the Biosecurity hotline; 0800 80 99 66.
"If any one finds something untoward then calling the Biosecurity hotline is the correct response. An additional measure is to take photographs; almost all modern mobile telephones have in-built cameras.
"Equally, MPI need to react to the best information they have at hand. Their response, based on the advice they were given, was appropriate.
"Secure storage in the country of origin and traceability from approved plants is still an issue which is being addressed by MPI following their audit in Indonesia and Malaysia.
"One of the MPI's urgent amendments to the Import Health Standard reflects a key Federated Farmers recommendation in our Clark-Mackinnon report. That being that PKE must only be imported from specific approved facilities meeting New Zealand's import requirements.
"We need to have confidence that the level of certification and traceability meets commodity export standards. This should not be an issue for responsible importers who already demand this level of information from their suppliers.
"More clarity post-border would also help any future investigation.
"Federated Farmers is not advocating for a cumbersome, bureaucratic system which adds expense and complexity where little value can be gained and which might trigger similar unnecessary responses in our own markets.
"If there is a silver lining to this episode it is that we will all be more vigilant and know that contaminations like this one will be taken seriously," Dr Rolleston concluded.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
Will the good times last? That's one of the key issues to come out of the latest Federated Farmers confidence survey.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
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