US helps offset weak Chinese market
Red meat exports topped $932 million during February, with demand from the US helping to offset the weak Chinese market.
The Government’s current freshwater proposals puts the viability of some meat processing plants in doubt, warns processors.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) says while it supports the ambition of the proposals for cleaner freshwater, the planned river quality limits are excessively tight and exceed current limits already consented by regional councils.
MIA chief executive Tim Ritchie says these limits are likely to result in substantial economic costs to the meat processing sector without resulting in substantially improving environmental outcomes.
The meat processing industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector and employs approximately 25,000 people: the vast majority in regional New Zealand.
Many processing plants’ wastewater treatment systems have also been significantly upgraded in recent years, often at considerable expense, Ritchie says.
The sector is urging the Government to re-assess the proposed dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved reactive phosphorous (DRP) national bottom lines.
“We generally support setting instream limits for DIN and DRP – clear bottom lines will provide business with greater certainty.
“However, these should be science-based, recognise the diversity of unique ecosystems and natural variation, and reflect the local conditions of that waterway.”
The DRP limits have also not been identified as a level causing adverse environmental impact, says Ritchie.
“The proposed DRP limit is unlikely to achieve better environmental outcomes while imposing significant economic costs.
“We do not believe that most processors will be able to meet the proposed DRP limit. Overall, the national limits need to be reassessed to ensure they are based on a scientific understanding of the environmental impact on waterways and lead to appropriate water quality without inflicting unnecessary damage on New Zealand’s regional economy.”
In a number of cases, the water quality upstream of processing plants already exceeds or is very close to the proposed limits, according to Ritchie.
“We are concerned our sector will be paying more than our fair share to fix water quality issues caused by others.”
MIA opposes the moratorium on farm land use change.
“This discriminates against farms which are already operating within environmental limits. Our processors and exporters have an interest in both ensuring supply of livestock is maintained, as well as that livestock is produced in an environmentally sustainable way to meet increasing customer demands for sustainable food.
“One of the cornerstones of New Zealand’s productive world-class farming systems has been flexible land use, as farmers innovate and rapidly shift production according to market signals and regulatory requirements.
“This will prevent farmers from maximising their production within environmental limits. Farms that meet environmental limits should be able to farm flexibly.
“Any decline in farming will have a knock-on effect, with reduced processing and eventually the closure of processing plants in regional towns where meat processors are often the largest employer. The economic and social impacts of the freshwater proposals cannot be underestimated.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.