Removing ban 'a step backwards'
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
As the last shipment of live animals by sea left New Plymouth on April 20,2023, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor was hailing the move as one that puts NZ in step with like-minded partners on the importance of animal welfare.
He says Australia has moved to phase-out live exports of sheep, and animal welfare standards are bedded into our FTAs with the UK and the EU.
"Recent talk of restarting live exports by sea simply ignores the reality that our consumers overseas take issues of sustainability, climate, and animal welfare seriously, which is why they're reflected in our recent FTAs. This decision is part of a number of moves by our Government to protect future export growth and protect our reputation as world-leading food producers," he says.
O'Connor says the decision to ban live exports was supported by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. He says the two-year transition period allowed affected farmers the time to adjust their supply chains and move to different business models.
"In a market where consumers are becoming more and more discerning about ethical and environmental credentials, this Government has moved to ensure that New Zealand's reputation for ethical trade is not at risk," he says.
Damien O'Connor says NZ farmers are world leaders and must be supported to stay ahead of the curve.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.