Removing ban 'a step backwards'
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
The organisation that represents live exporters believes a more highly regulated industry would have been a better approach than a complete ban.
Live Animal Export New Zealand (LENZ) says banning live animal exports will damage the New Zealand economy and claims the move is out of step with the views of the New Zealand public, according to research it has carried out.
"According to an independent research report by science insights company Voconiq, over half of New Zealanders surveyed have confidence that regulation can hold the industry accountable," LENZ spokesman Mark Willis says.
He adds that the industry's call for a Gold Standard of care for live animal exports in NZ has been ignored by the Government.
"Two years ago, our industry banded together to propose that the Government introduce much higher standards of care for the animals exported from New Zealand. We set out a clear and evidence-based 12-point regulatory plan to Minister O'Connor that would further improve and modernise the live animal export system," Willis says. "We did not receive any response."
LENZ accuses the Government of failing to consult in good faith with industry. "The end result will be legislation that is detrimental to the livelihood of farmers and New Zealand's economy, and a missed opportunity to lift the standards of live animal exports globally."
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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