New Zealand-Pork industry good.

NEW ZEALAND-Pork industry success

Despite the difficult year Trengrove points to a number of successes for the industry. The launch of the Lesnies 100% New Zealand Bacon of the Year Competition drew 110 bacon makers and 233 individual bacon entries. "Strong consumer interest reinforced country of origin as an important issue and it is satisfying that all of our major processors have dedicated NZ hams and bacons and they carry our 100% New Zealand bacon and ham labelling".

Consumption of fresh pork has also continued to grow notes Trengrove. "Growth in fresh consumption has been half a kilo per capita per year for the last five years, 75% of our domestic production now goes to the fresh market. There is no doubt that we can continue to grow consumption but the challenge is to ensure that we lift returns to producers."

In that regard NZPork has continued a strong industry sustainability focus on biosecurity, environment and animal welfare with mixed results. "It is disappointing that another 12 months have passed without resolution of the Import Health Standards for pig meat from countries with PRRS. We have continued to make sound science representations to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) but have been unable to make progress."

NZPork initiatives

During the year NZPork developed new initiatives in animal welfare assessment and investigated biogas application but the environmental area overall continues to be difficult particularly for farming related resource consents.

"The attitude of councils nationwide is variable. Increasingly we see over officious approaches which threaten the sustainability of current businesses and make it difficult for new ones to establish. This requires action at the very highest levels of government to ensure that the right to farm and wealth creation for our nation is protected. In this respect we applaud the Government’s review of the Resource Management Act (RMA).