increase font size
The independent report on Psa highlights issues of setting and implementing border standards, says NZPork.
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."
In this biosecurity article, I touch on four subjects of recent interest: the new New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Biosecurity Contractor Resources, a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug update, a Xylella Action Group update, and the Forest Biosecurity Conference.
Taranaki has launched Biosecurity Taranaki in an effort to safeguard the region’s environment.
Every year, the New Zealand Winegrowers biosecurity team is sent an increasing number of images from members of suspected grapevine pest insects and disease symptoms, evidence that a high level of biosecurity awareness is building amongst the industry.
Biosecurity New Zealand says its frontline teams are ready for the anticipated influx of summer travellers with changes to arrivals processing at airports and the introduction of new hosts to help people.
Over 40,000 metric tons (MT) of overseas pork from 22 countries were imported into New Zealand in 2023.
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.
