OSPRI Reduces TB Testing and Lifts Movement Controls in Key Regions
Ospri is reducing TB testing frequencies and movement control measures as the disease risk subsidies in parts of the country.
New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor is stepping down after nearly six years in the role.
McIvor won't be totally lost to the pork industry. He is going to head up Wellington meat family Prestons. McIvor leaves NZPork in mid-March and a recruitment process for his replacement is underway.
NZP board chairman Ian Carter says McIvor has had "an action packed tenure during which we've endured a global economic crisis and domestically the industry has had some big issues to work through".
"Championing the industry's strong environmental standing, progressing the animal welfare changes and maintaining the industry's disease-free status have been significant pieces of work and Sam has shown strong leadership and the ability to work effectively with farmers through to politicians in this process".
McIvor is also credited for helping improve product quality and drive consumer demand for locally produced product.
"There is no doubt that consumers are much more aware now of the 700,000kgs of imported pork coming into the country each week and they're looking for NZ grown labelled products," says Carter.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.