Feds Calls For Independent Review Of Biosecurity

14 November 2000 PR125/2000

FEDERATED FARMERS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF BIOSECURITY

Federated Farmers National Council today called for an urgent and immediate independent review of New Zealand's biosecurity following the announcement of substandard performance uncovered by internal audits.

Chief Executive Tony St. Clair said that the federation wanted the independent review so that agricultural producers - that underpin the New Zealand economy - could have more confidence in New Zealand's biosecurity system.

"Farmers have the most to loose from sloppy and inadequate border control and biosecurity systems. It is their livelihoods that would be destroyed by pests becoming established in New Zealand," he said.

"Biosecurity is too much of a closed shop at the moment, and outside scrutiny would go a long way towards building confidence in the system."

ENDS
For further comment: Tony St. Clair 025-837-712

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