Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
“Live exports have made up roughly 0.2% of all agriculture revenue since 2015. In the past 10 years, around 5000 farmers across New Zealand have supplied breeding cattle for export, with an average of over 40 animals per farm.”
LENZ claims that additional to the livestock value farmers receive directly, a shipment of around 3000 animals can return roughly $1.5 million to New Zealand based service providers – including domestic livestock transporters, veterinarians, feed supply companies, quarantine facilities and regional accommodation providers.
“It’s the rural areas and rural service centres that see most of the economic benefits from the trade as this additional income circulates creating an economic multiplier effect.”
It adds that livestock for export usually attract a premium.
“This can be 50-85% of an animal’s value above the domestic market. Selling livestock for export is a useful income generator for rural communities.”
Under a reinstate live export programme LENZ is pushing for a ‘Gold Standard’ for the export of livestock from New Zealand.
“The Gold Standard system takes export welfare to a level unmatched internationally and contributes to New Zealand’s position as a premium producer of sustainable and ethically produced agriculture.”
LENZ adds that shipping under the Gold Standard will mean:
- The lowest regulated stocking densities in the world during transit;
- A responsible vessel owner program that mandates management practices that are designed to avoid 'catastrophic failure';
- Minimum standards of vessel quality, that will result in the discontinued use of any ship that poses an inherent or high animal risk;
- A transparent reporting system that measures and reports on animal welfare during the voyage.
