Our wish list underscores the need for government support, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Supporting all New Zealanders
This is an enduring focus for us through our purpose of ensuring healthy crops and animals safeguard our sustainability.
Our members help underpin the New Zealand primary sector and economy. They support frontline biosecurity responses, ensure food security and safety, reduce food loss, and help lower the cost of food for communities. They also play essential roles in protecting animal welfare and health, as well as human health.
Power of common purpose
Now is the time to make collective and pivotal decisions in responding to ongoing economic challenges, shocks to our biosecurity and food systems, digital transformations, a decarbonising world, an ageing population, evolving geopolitics, and a need to boost productivity.
Right tools for resilience
The unpredictable forces of nature, such as Cyclone Gabrielle, highlight the vulnerability of our agricultural and horticultural systems. The aftermath of the cyclone prompted a re-evaluation of our preparedness and emphasised the necessity for robust systems for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
A spike in diseases, such as leptospirosis, after the cyclone serves as a reminder that taking proactive measures — including maintaining vaccination programmes — is essential for preventing the spread of diseases and safeguarding human and animal health.
The emergence of fall armyworm emphasises the importance of being prepared for biosecurity incursions to protect our horticultural industry. Taking proactive measures is crucial to avert the destructive effects of invasive species on our agricultural and horticultural ecosystems.
Capacity to withstand and recover
As we brace for more adverse events, our international agreements and commitments require us to respond urgently to climate change. Rising to this challenge requires a loaded toolkit for managing pests and diseases.
Enabling policy and a stable and outcomes-based regulatory framework will be critical for local and global investors seeking to continue to do business here.
Match fit regulation and systems
New Zealand’s regulatory system must be streamlined and adequately resourced to support the innovation needed to underpin export trade, of which 87 percent is agriculturally based. We must modernise outdated legislation such as the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms and Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Acts which are no longer fit for the challenges that lie ahead.
Now, more than ever, taxpayers, farmers, growers, and business leaders are seeking reassurance on value for money and outcomes.
Unlocking innovation
While Free Trade Agreements have opened doors to improved trade access, policy restrictions limit our ability to access the tools necessary for a thriving industry. This includes newer, more effective, and more environmentally friendly compounds for controlling pests and diseases.
This includes embracing responsible use, integrated pest management (IPM), and smart technology, exploring innovative options such as biologicals and inhibitors, and considering the possibility of gene technology.
Strategic partnerships
Our significant challenges will only escalate if we adhere to the status quo. A coordinated response with common language and understanding is necessary.
As New Zealand seeks to adopt new overseas technology, aligned messaging that is factual, science and evidence-based, and takes people on the journey is vital.
We are stronger together
Transformation will take time, effort and courage.
Our chances of success improve by government and industry agreeing on a common purpose, strategic priorities, and roles and responsibilities.
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