Grain Industry Issues
From an international perspective New Zealand's arable industry could be viewed as small, with 2,500 farmers and revenue of approximately $5billion. However, the industry contributes extensively to the New Zealand economy.
Latest statistics highlight export revenue of $70 million from herbage seeds, such as clover and ryegrass, $85 million from vegetable seeds and $130 million from grain based products. The industry is a leader in seed multiplication, especially carrot and clover seed of which New Zealand is the primary world producer. Every day our products feed 6 million dairy cows and 30 million sheep. Currently, a Southland farmer holds the world record for wheat production and we also have the highest maize yields in the world.
One of arable farmers' key concerns is biosecurity. The fact we are able to be world leaders in seed multiplication is mainly due to our weed, pest and disease free status. It is of paramount importance we maintain a biosecurity system that ensures harmful pests and diseases are kept out of New Zealand.
A biosecurity breach of significant magnitude in the arable industry would seriously impede our ability to remain a productive part of the New Zealand economy. Market access could be lost if just one significant weed is found in our seed exports. The recent change to the Importation of Grains/Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing Import Health Standard,allowing a tolerance level for contaminant grains/seeds of up to 0.1 percent in weight is something we did not support and do not want repeated.
Another key issue for arable farmers is reducing the confusion surrounding the transport regulations for agricultural vehicles. Arable farmers use a wide range of vehicles for their cropping operations, some of which are driven on the road. To be able to do so legally and safely, a separate agricultural vehicles transport schedule is needed where the requirements are clearly stated.
Federated Farmers wants
- Government to not relax the import health standards for grain and seed into New Zealand
- Government to establish a separate Aricultural Vehicles transport schedule.
Spokesperson
Federated Farmers Grain & Seeds Spokesperson is board member Ian MacKenzie, you can contact him at imackenzie@fedfarm.org.nz.
