Meat Sector Strategy Terms Of Reference Announced

Meat Sector Strategy Terms Of Reference Announced

The Meat Industry Association and Beef + Lamb New Zealand have released the terms of reference of the Meat Sector Strategy, setting out where activity will be focused in the coming months.

Meat Industry Association Chairman, Bill Falconer and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen said it was understandable that there was high interest and expectation attached to the Meat Sector Strategy and the release today of the terms of reference would show where activity will be centred.

Falconer said information and robust analysis was a key component of the strategy and would ensure there was a good understanding of the opportunities and barriers ahead so that all participants within the supply chain could evaluate and invest from an informed position.

"Clearly there is much to be done to restore confidence and investment in the industry and identifying pathways that can offer sustainable profitability for all parts of the sector is what this strategy must deliver."

Petersen said there was no doubt that change must happen with the sector continuing to lose its production base to other land uses - especially dairying and forestry.

"Many of the farmers that have decided to remain in the industry are struggling to remain profitable and while this strategy alone will not be a silver bullet, we must find a way for all sector participants to act collaboratively to develop opportunities."

“Participants in the industry have recognised that there is a need for improvement, and they are looking for a roadmap able to identify the opportunities and guide the return to sustainable profits.”

Both Falconer and Petersen called for constructive engagement with the strategy process.

"Claims that the sector faces imminent extinction have received media attention, but they add no value to the debate and further threaten the $6 billion sheepmeat and beef sector that our economy relies on," Falconer said.

There will be opportunities for all parts of the industry to engage in the strategy process, with wide consultation programmed throughout the process.

To see the terms of reference, visit www.beeflambnz.com or www.mia.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media