Thursday, 30 March 2023 10:55

Call to debate facts not ideology on live exports

Written by  Richard McIntyre
Richard McIntyre says the debate on live exports should be based on facts rather than politics and ideology. Richard McIntyre says the debate on live exports should be based on facts rather than politics and ideology.

OPINION: Federated Farmers is pleased that a Member's Bill from ACT MP Mark Cameron has put opportunities for live animal exports back on the political agenda.

With industry-initiated Live Export NZ 'Gold Standard' animal welfare precautions - as well as enforcement of the recommendations on sea voyages from the independent review - New Zealand can be a global exemplar in this trade.

Recent cyclones have put a massive hit on our infrastructure and productive sector. For example, it may be years before our pipfruit industry recovers.

Can New Zealand afford to turn its back on annual export income of $400m-$500m?

The government-instituted live export ban comes into full effect on 30 April this year after a transition/wind-down period.

New Zealand has an international reputation for strong animal welfare. While there has been robust and continuous improvement in our live export practices, the industry is open to recommendations for further precautions. These include regulation aimed at minimising sea voyage risk from seasonal weather events.

The global live cattle trade will continue but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on us. If we were still involved, our high standards would push others into lifting their game.

We've also lost the opportunity to have influence, via commercial relationships, over the welfare of exported animals after they've arrived in countrie such as China.

Federated Farmers and the many businesses, which have been involved in this trade, want discussions re-opened.

But the debate should be based on facts rather than politics and ideology.

It's an election year, and rural New Zealand looks forward to hearing the policies of the various parties on this topic and others that are so important to provincial economies.

Richard McIntyre is a Federated Farmers national board member and its Dairy Chair.

More like this

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

Featured

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.

B+LNZ launches AI assistant for farmers

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy,…

Fencing excellence celebrated

The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter