Friday, 18 May 2018 11:56

Opposition slam ‘small’ biosecurity allocation in budget

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Nathan Guy.

The Government has allocated “an extraordinarily small sum” to strengthen Biosecurity, National’s spokesperson for Agriculture Nathan Guy says.

Guy says this is despite the Government insisting that Biosecurity is underfunded prior to the budget announcement.

“Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced a paltry increase of just $9.3 million for Biosecurity which is half of what National invested in Budget17 at $18.4 million.

“This is a 50% reduction and makes a mockery of the Government’s recent rhetoric.

“If they truly believed in what they’ve been saying lately, they could have injected hundreds of millions of dollars into further strengthening the Biosecurity system - but in yesterday’s Budget they showed this isn’t really a priority.”

Guy points out that farmers and growers haven’t forgotten Labour and NZ First’s track record on Biosecurity – “they voted against National’s border clearance levy a few years ago – which has proved a great success in generating more funding for Biosecurity”.

“Ironically, it seems the Primary sector – which is New Zealand’s biggest export earner – turns out to be the Budget’s biggest loser,” Guy says.

More like this

Six Priorities to Unlock Growth

OPINION: Dairy farmers know better than anyone that change is constant.

Bird Flu: Keep Distance, Wash Hands, Report It

OPINION: It's a tough pill to swallow that bird flu (avian influenza) has finally arrived in New Zealand. This is a moment many of us have hoped would never come.

US Launches Lamb Safeguard Probe, NZ Exports at Risk

As expected, the US has launched a safeguard investigation into lamb imports, a move that could impact New Zealand sheepmeat returns.

First H5 Bird Flu Case Confirmed in NZ

New Zealanders are being urged to be alert following a confirmed positive case of H5 bird flu this week.

Getting The Systems Right On Biosecurity

OPINION: It's no surprise that "world-class biosecurity" continues to dominate as the top priority for agribusiness leaders, holding the number one spot for the 16th consecutive year in KPMG's latest agribusiness report.

Featured

Editorial: Hunting Policy Misses The Mark

OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.

Timaru-Bred Bull Takes Out 2026 Mahoe Trophy

An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

George Dodson on Efficiency and Low-Cost Dairy Farming

Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.

Four-Year Trial Confirms Plantain Cuts N Losses 33%

A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.