Restrictions on butcheries during the levels four and three lockdowns mean there is a surplus of pigs on farms, which could lead to a potential animal welfare crisis.
NZ Pork chief executive David Baines says while the sector fully supports the Government’s actions to protect New Zealanders and eliminate covid-19 its view has always been butchers, like dairies, can take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of covid-19 and help put food on New Zealanders’ tables.
“We remain confident we can reach an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Government to ease the animal welfare situation.”
NZ Pork is still actively advocating on several initiatives including:
– Import substitution: this will continue to be a challenge as the price being paid to wholesalers is considerably lower than other market channels;
– Food banks: the Government buys and supplies more pork to food banks and;
– Potential export of product to Singapore.
“In relation to Singapore, NZ Pork has been working with MPI on regulatory requirements and NZ Trade and Enterprise,” Baines said.
“Following an agreement between the NZ and Singapore governments to keep the trade lines open between the two countries Singapore has agreed it will accept the NZ Standard rather than require additional export requirements.
“NZ Pork has also been liaising with wholesalers/supply groups about achieving Singapore listing and providing MPI with details of frozen product in storage to consider for Singapore eligibility in the event an agreement is reached.
“Given NZ Pork does not own product we have been facilitating these discussions and commercial arrangements between companies will still need to be negotiated.”
