MPI defends cost of new biosecurity lab
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
This includes the need for government and industry to work together to identify and to mitigate biosecurity risks.
Owen Symmans, NZPork chief executive officer, said: "The report identifies a series of issues in import health standards and border processes which are matters of major concern to the NZ pork industry through its experience in setting pig meat border standards to manage the risk of PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome).
"These include a comprehensive analysis of all hazards associated with imported risk goods and the importance of engagement with industry in setting border standards to assess the risk, and address and resolve scientific uncertainty and knowledge gaps.
"NZPork is fully supportive of the recognition that research funding should be available to fill key scientific gaps to ensure standards remain science-based and current. "
"New Zealand needs a biosecurity system which is robust, transparent and fair to all industries, while still allowing us to meet international trade commitments.
"Communication between government and the primary sector is crucial for ensuring questions around science and risk are well understood, and that threats are effectively mitigated.
"The report highlights that industry engagement is critical in regard to setting border standards, as well as readiness and response."
