25 June 2009
Media release

Government must step up for the meat industry

The MAF report on the New Zealand meat industry delivers no radical recommendations but reinforces the need for greater coordination and cooperation among the players at every level of the industry, said Labour’s Rural Affairs spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

“The report, released yesterday, states that the industry - producing $4.6B and 15% of our export earnings - is still a key player in the New Zealand economy but faces substantial reduction in size and scope without change.

“The industry’s future depends upon greater investment in innovation, research and development to grow the returns to farmers, investors and stakeholders.

“I am concerned that the National Government cut the Fast Forward Fund that would have assisted in this area of identified need,” Damien O’Connor says.

“The widely-held view that the industry has underperformed financially has led to a lack of confidence in the future of the meat industry and undermined the potential to grow opportunities based on our environmental credentials and branding.

“The report also raises the alarming prospect of the likelihood of a significant biosecurity incursion occurring within the next 10 to 15 years.

“Leadership, vision and action will be required from the sector to ensure our competitive advantages can deliver a successful and sustainable industry into the future.

“The Labour-led Government initiated the report and now it is up to the National Government to show some leadership and progress the coordination necessary to grow a sustainable meat industry,” said Damien O’Connor.

ENDS

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