Expert panel slams MAF import health standards for pork

Almost a year ago to the day, Federated Farmers warned provisional import health standards for pork could set a dangerous biosecurity precedent. That concern has been upheld by an expert independent panel, reviewing import health standards for pig products.

“The expert Independent Review Panel was established when New Zealand Pork and bodies like Federated Farmers expressed concern that the Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome virus (PRRSv), could enter New Zealand via imported pig material,” says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson.

“That’s what makes the level of criticism targeted at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), by an expert independent panel reviewing its proposed import health processes, so concerning.

“We’ve now had two independent reviews – this one and an earlier one on bee products – with both expressing similar concerns about MAF’s processes and analysis.

“Deficiencies exposed in the review include MAF making decisions on inconclusive or very little data and a lack of consultation with key stakeholders and specialists.

“MAF’s hypothesis, that cuts of up to three kilograms would result in negligible uncooked pig meat waste, was challenged and the review panel has recommended further consideration of this figure be undertaken.

“Under Section 22A of the Biosecurity Act, industry groups and others now have the right to challenge scientific evidence around the formation of MAF’s Import Health Standards.

“The findings in this report must become a real wake up call to New Zealand agriculture and we must collectively ensure MAF’s deficiencies are addressed and addressed quickly. It was only down to Federated Farmers and the industry good bodies, that this expert independent review step was added to the Biosecurity Act.

“New Zealand’s future is so dependent on keeping New Zealand free of organisms that bedevil other countries ability to universally export. Brand New Zealand really hinges on biosecurity, as keeping the bad stuff out is central to consumer trust.

“That is why producers and exporters need to have confidence that our processes are robust. It’s now time for MAF and industry to work together to achieve the high standard we need for the biosecurity of New Zealand,” Mr Hartnell concluded.