Friday, March 29, 2024

Live export ban conditionally lifted

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The conditional ban on live cattle exports has been lifted, but until the wider review is finalised, exporters must continue to meet all existing requirements.
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The absolute ban on live exports was imposed on September 22 while the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) launched the independent Mike Heron QC review into the animal welfare assurances it receives from exporters following the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1.

Following the Heron review, MPI introduced new requirements for livestock exports, lifting the absolute ban from October 24 to a conditional ban until November 30.

Over the past four weeks the 24,000 cattle held over in quarantine when the Government imposed the absolute ban have now made their way to China.

MPI director animal health and welfare Chris Rodwell says while the conditional ban on live exports by sea ended on November 30, MPI will continue to consider Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) applications.

“Any future exports will have to meet the existing requirements and those introduced following the independent Heron review after the sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1,” he said.

“The vessels will continue to be subject to maritime focused inspections by Maritime NZ.”

Advice is still being finalised on the 2019 wider policy review into live animal exports.

“Once complete, it will be provided to ministers and then the Cabinet will make a decision,” he said.

“The independent Heron review will feed into that advice.”

MPI has given no timeframe as to when the wider review is likely to be finalised.

Meantime, exporters are “flat tack” procuring and organising cattle to meet import orders with China.

Live export consultant Brent Wallace says there has been no easing of the growing demand from China for New Zealand cattle.

Breeding stock, both dairy and beef, are in equal demand with several shipments scheduled before the end of the year.

“Demand for NZ cattle is only getting stronger, buoyed by the conflict between China and Australia,” Wallace said.

“Normally Australia would send 120,000 cattle a year to China, in NZ we would do 20,000 to 60,000 a year.

“This year because of what’s going on and the increased demand for our cattle, we are looking at doubling what we do, up to 120,000 and more, while China is struggling with Australia.”

Wallace says during the NZ government’s total four week ban on live cattle exports China jumped into Chile, but that was just to fill the void.

“It seems it hasn’t really paid off and there’s been a few issues so that’s another factor in the equation strengthening demand for NZ cattle.”

Pricing remains very competitive for farmers supplying cattle for export.

“It’s still a good option for farmers, especially in the South Island where the store markets are not really moving,” he said.

“It’s all good news for the NZ live export industry so long as all parties play ball, including the Government.

He says industry has no issues with the wider policy review.

“So long as it is realistic and workable for exporters, it will be all good for everyone in the industry,” he said.

“A key part of everything we do comes down to animal welfare and we expect that’s a key part of the review.”

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