Labour will work with meat sector to develop bigger businesses

Labour will create more jobs and wealth by providing the leadership and funding to help participants reform the meat sector through developing a larger scale sustainable model as part of our Economic Upgrade for the sector, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“The meat sector continues to decline and must meet new challenges to maintain a secure and skilled workforce. Like our wider economy it needs an upgrade to compete overseas.

“Labour will do this by encouraging the creation of businesses with real market scale and, if required, we will look to amend the Commerce Act to achieve this aim. We will also work with Iwi and large agricultural companies to consolidate efforts and interests for the long term.

“Labour will also review the Primary Growth Partnership grants to the meat sector to ensure they contribute to a more strategic industry future.

“In Government Labour will encourage a new collaborative working environment between companies and workers to offer greater security for all parties.

“National has done nothing in the face of issues arising due to the inspection regime with meat left to rot on Chinese ports. We will review the deregulated meat inspection system to ensure it is not putting our long term reputation for quality and food safety at risk

“The meat sector is an integral part of growing our economy. Labour’s economic upgrade will ensure it reaches its potential,” Damien O’Connor says.

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