Research highlights red meat value

The New Zealand red meat sector’s significant contribution to the country’s national and regional economies has been highlighted in new research.

The independent study commissioned by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B +LNZ) shows the meat processing and exporting sector and sheep and beef farmers collectively generate $12 billion in income per year for the country and account for more than 92,000 jobs, almost 5 per cent of New Zealand’s fulltime workforce.

The sector is also responsible for $4.6 billion in household income (on average that works out at $3300 for every household in New Zealand) and represents approximately a fifth of New Zealand’s productive sector.

The release of the research by SG Heilbron Economic and Policy Consulting coincides with B+LNZ and the MIA launching a joint manifesto ahead of New Zealand’s General Election in September.

The manifesto outlines the importance of political parties working with the red meat sector as partners to re-build the New Zealand economy.

The policy blueprint also identifies the challenges and opportunities in environmental issues, trade and market access, animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity, innovation, employment relations, immigration and health and safety.

Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, said the research showed the importance of the sector to the New Zealand economy and regional New Zealand.

‘‘As New Zealand’s largest manufacturing industry and the second largest goods exporter, the sector is critical to the prosperity and wealth of the country’s economy. The industry is also a significant employer, mainly in regional New Zealand, supporting the livelihoods of families and rural communities.

‘‘Despite the supply chain disruption caused by Covid-19, our industry has displayed real agility and resilience and continued to export lamb, beef and co-products to our 120 markets across the globe. With New Zealand experiencing significant economic headwinds, it’s critical we have a sustainable and thriving red meat sector to help the country weather the storm.

‘‘The Government has a huge once-in-a-generation task ahead of it. The priority post-Covid-19 must be ensuring we have our long-term policy settings and infrastructure right. Open and predictable market access is vital for the ongoing success of our export-focused sector as it creates a stable and level international playing field in which our exporters can prosper and thrive.

‘‘Our industry is one of the biggest trainers in New Zealand. The training system for meat processors is extremely effective at putting new workers onto career pathways and training them. We must have the right skills development and training framework in place to support the industry, our people and the country.’’

B+LNZ CEO Sam McIvor says the red meat sector’s contribution to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the country is significant and the industry has underlined its resilience and its importance in the wake of COVID-19.

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Cattle graze Paparata Farms’ airstrip.