Renewed trust in the primary sector is being shown by the Government and its officials as they see changing economic fortunes around the globe, sector leaders say.
“We are picking up an awareness amongst Government that the stakes have all of a sudden got very high, not that they weren’t high before, but the stakes now are doubly high and they’re very much aware of that,” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said.
The Government is making more effort to consult and work with the food producers and while that is welcome politicians still have the final say on policy.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says trust was strengthened between companies and the Ministry for Primary Industries as they worked together to tweak processing protocols to enable increased capacity at meat works during the lockdown.
Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor describes the level of trust as the best he has seen in years, cemented by working together through the covid-19 response.
“There is probably as strong a sense of partnership as I have seen for the last two to three years. They want to walk alongside us and find solutions.”
While that co-operation will help with issues such as trade McIvor can see it leading to the resolution of other issues.
He says there is a realisation by the Government and officials that farmers need to be a part of any policy to address issues such as freshwater quality or climate change.
“Policymakers are starting to realise that more,” McIvor says.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says daily meetings with MPI during the lockdown ensured quick and timely decisions but also strengthened their relationship.
“Covid-19 has enabled them to see the importance of horticulture to NZ.
“They’re seeing us differently because things have changed.
“Tourism is not what it used to be and international students are not here so they have got to back those horses that are winners and that is in partnership with food producers,” Chapman said.
Given the primary sector’s extra economic burden policies for freshwater and climate change need to be looked at in a different light, Mackle says.
“It does mean that post covid-19 we have got to have another look for more practical ways to achieve this.”
Conversely, that does not mean the primary sector can ignore those issues but the proposed policies need a rethink to make them workable and not hamstring the sector.
Mackle says the primary sector is increasingly talking to the Government with one voice on issues.
“To be frank, the food production sector is working a lot closer, certainly more so in the last three years, than at stage of my time here.”
Some differences remain, especially on issues such as water, but the degree of co-operation will help design and promote practical solutions to environmental issues.
And farmers sense renewed respect from the urban public, something that is appreciated.
“Farmers feel a sense of pride and feeling that they are valued,” Mackle said.
Chapman says any Government initiative needs to be industry-led.
“Pre-covid, horticulture was making significant gains in all four categories – financial, social, environmental and health sustainability.
“What we now need to do is accelerate these outcomes for the benefit of NZ.
“Growing our way out of covid will not be easy.
“It requires the Government to partner with industry, loosen regulatory requirements and urgently support key projects such as significant water storage infrastructure. The Government also needs to support trade access and ensure that the offshore labour that industry needs remains available.”
