NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
MINISTER FOR Primary Industries Nathan Guy is welcoming a proposal to bring in compulsory screening of palm kernel expeller (PKE) imported into New Zealand.
PKE is imported mainly from Malaysia and Indonesia and is used by the dairy industry as supplementary stock feed.
"The proposal from the Ministry for Primary Industries is that all PKE must be passed through a 4-6mm size screen on entry to New Zealand and before going on sale. There will also be added requirements for record keeping and traceability.
"It's important to note there are already tough conditions in place for imports, including heat treatment, fumigation and inspection. On top of this new standards were introduced in June ensuring that in-market facilities are Government approved.
"Around 70% of PKE imports are already screened in New Zealand. However, this new proposal would give greater reassurances and remove any possible metal contaminants that could harm animals. It will also have biosecurity benefits.
"This would be a practical step to standardise practices within the industry. I'm looking forward to seeing the feedback on the proposal," Mr Guy.
The draft notice is now available for consultation at: http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/consultation/
Submissions will be received until October 18, 2013.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.