Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:55

'Gold Standard' live export plan

Written by  Peter Burke
Under a reinstated live export programme LENZ is pushing for a ‘Gold Standard’ for the export of livestock from New Zealand. Under a reinstated live export programme LENZ is pushing for a ‘Gold Standard’ for the export of livestock from New Zealand.

Live Export NZ (LENZ), the industry group behind reinstating live exports, says that in 2020 New Zealand exported $255.89 million of live cattle to the rest of the world.

“Live exports have made up roughly 0.2% of all agriculture revenue since 2015. In the past 10 years, around 5000 farmers across New Zealand have supplied breeding cattle for export, with an average of over 40 animals per farm.”

LENZ claims that additional to the livestock value farmers receive directly, a shipment of around 3000 animals can return roughly $1.5 million to New Zealand based service providers – including domestic livestock transporters, veterinarians, feed supply companies, quarantine facilities and regional accommodation providers.

“It’s the rural areas and rural service centres that see most of the economic benefits from the trade as this additional income circulates creating an economic multiplier effect.”

It adds that livestock for export usually attract a premium.

“This can be 50-85% of an animal’s value above the domestic market. Selling livestock for export is a useful income generator for rural communities.”

Under a reinstate live export programme LENZ is pushing for a ‘Gold Standard’ for the export of livestock from New Zealand.

“The Gold Standard system takes export welfare to a level unmatched internationally and contributes to New Zealand’s position as a premium producer of sustainable and ethically produced agriculture.”

LENZ adds that shipping under the Gold Standard will mean:

  • The lowest regulated stocking densities in the world during transit; 
  • A responsible vessel owner program that mandates management practices that are designed to avoid 'catastrophic failure';
  • Minimum standards of vessel quality, that will result in the discontinued use of any ship that poses an inherent or high animal risk;
  • A transparent reporting system that measures and reports on animal welfare during the voyage.

More like this

Feeding newborn calves

To ensure optimal growth, health, and wellbeing of calves, feeding strategies should be considered carefully.

Featured

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

» 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