Talks over biosecurity agreement

Three farmer levy organisations are about to start talking with farmers about a proposal to give them more influence in the response to biosecurity threats.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B +LNZ) along with DairyNZ and Deer Industry New Zealand will meet with farmers to discuss signing the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response Deed (GIA).

Speaking as acting chairman at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Rotorua, DairyNZ director Barry Harris said that signing the GIA was an opportunity for the sector not to be missed.

As a signatory, the GIA would give the sector more responsibility in biosecurity decision making which is led by the Government. It would see them prepare and respond to risks to the livestock sector, he said.

‘‘We will be able to influence biosecurity priorities and improve responses to any incursions.’’

Chief executive Tim Mackle said he hoped the restructuring of the Ministry for Primary Industries would not impact the GIA.

‘‘It’s something that’s been in the making for many years and we would argue that we need to see this through because it’s going to have some genuine benefits to New Zealand.’’

In return for having more of a role in fronting biosecurity issues, it would mean helping to fund the costs of a response via a levy, which would be triggered if there was an incursion.

Information packs about the proposal have just been sent out to farmers.

B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said the GIA was about working together to protect farmers from exotic pests and diseases.