One-stop shop to tackle M. bovis
A national pest management plan to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) will come into effect by the end of this year.
Associate Minister of Agriculture, Andrew Hoggard says the Government is progressing its commitment to reinstate live exports by sea.
He says public consultation on the issue will start before September.
The policy has proved controversial and will require an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and strengthened welfare standards would have to be developed before the trade returns.
Hoggard says he acknowledges there is significant interest in the issue, and wants to give stakeholders and the public a clear timeline for change.
“Live exports will only commence once strengthened welfare standards are developed and in effect to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations,” he says.
“My officials are preparing a discussion document that will be released publicly before September.”
Public consultation will seek feedback on what changes are necessary to the Animal Welfare Act, how to achieve high animal welfare standards throughout the export process, and how to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations.
“I understand animal welfare is a top priority for all Kiwis,” Hoggard says. “It’s vital, and in fact non-negotiable, that the new standards are in place before the trade is restarted. Hearing a range of voices will help us to understand how we can best achieve this.”
“After consultation, I intend to seek Cabinet decisions before the end of the year and introduce legislation to the house in early 2025, followed by updated regulatory standards.”
In 2022, the value of livestock exports was estimated to be over $300 million.
“This is not insignificant. I believe there is an opportunity to expand our live export potential and support the growth of our primary industries, and rural communities,” says Hoggard.
“I encourage people to make submissions to make sure all views are taken into account during the policy development process.”
Not all farmers are happy with a new panel set up by the Government to advice on new methane emissions targets.
ANZ says it is ready to support its customers impacted by the recent severe weather on the East Coast.
Country of origin beef and lamb marketing programme Taste Pure Nature is set to move into a new phase.
Associate Minister of Agriculture, Andrew Hoggard says the Government is progressing its commitment to reinstate live exports by sea.
With farmers facing challenging financial times, a move to deferred grazing is one of many cost-effective systems available to them.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says a review of the highly ambitious methane reduction targets gives farmers confidence.
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