NEW ZEALAND PORK INDUSTRY BOARD

Transcription

1 NEW ZEALAND PORK INDUSTRY BOARD Briefing to the 52nd Parliament of New Zealand

2 Industry at a glance Pork balancing role A sustainable industry is a balanced industry ENVIRONMENT ANIMAL WELFARE COST 108 Commercial pig farms in the sector 60% Production bred indoors 40% Production bred outdoors <2% Free-range production 8 Years since PigCare was first developed 95% Commercial production covered by PigCare 23kg New Zealand s annual pork consumption per capita 44,780kg Meat produced 60% over 2t Of pork consumed in NZ is imported Meat one sow can produce through offspring each year

3 1 Introduction New Zealand s commercial pig farming sector is unique in the primary sector and the world. Despite its small scale with just over 100 commercial farms operating in New Zealand total economic activity associated with domestically farmed pigs at last analysis was between $746 million and $910 million per annum. The focus of New Zealand s commercial pig farmers is to produce high quality New Zealand grown food for local consumers. However, the industry is under constant pressure from the rapid growth in imported products, sourced from more than 25 countries around the world. Around 60 per cent of pork products consumed in New Zealand are now imported up from 49 per cent just three years ago.

4 2 The New Zealand Pork exists to serve the commercial pig farmers we represent working cooperatively to build a sustainable and profitable future for the New Zealand pork industry, reinforcing animal health and welfare, biosecurity, environmental, food safety and suitability, and health and safety standards while communicating on behalf of the industry to suppliers and consumers. We do this by focusing on areas that benefit the entire local industry, as well as New Zealand s wider primary sector and New Zealand Inc. These activities are designed to increase consumer engagement, building on the awareness of high standards of care and world leading pig health in the commercial pig farming industry, and the ongoing development of quality on-farm practices that support the environment, animal welfare and biosecurity. Industry leadership As leaders within New Zealand s primary sector, our work often supports positive and necessary changes to New Zealand s farming practices, particularly regarding biosecurity, animal welfare, the environment and country of origin labelling. Our animal welfare initiative and accreditation programme, PigCare, is the only independently verified, whole-ofindustry standard in the country and is a recognised model for other industry sectors, encouraging transparency, constant improvement and best practice among New Zealand farmers. Our country s pig herd also has a world-class health status due in part to leading biosecurity measures benefitting both animal welfare and productivity. Our high health status means our pigs do not need antibiotics to treat a wide range of diseases that affect pigs raised overseas but that are exotic to New Zealand. As a vital part of New Zealand s primary sector, New Zealand Pork aims to provide constructive input into any regulatory changes or issues that may affect our sector. We have a strong record of working cooperatively with responsible Ministers, officials and agencies, and other primary production sectors, in order to achieve the best outcomes for New Zealand and we look forward to working with the Government to further support and grow our great industry. Put clearly, New Zealand Pork wants to collaborate to strengthen a strong primary production sector, not only covering pork.

5 3 We believe that our PigCare programme provides a world leading model of industry welfare assurance that we are happy to share with other industries. Assurance that New Zealand s high animal welfare standards are met and that farmers in New Zealand care well for their animals is an important criterion on which consumers choose, and country of origin information is a way of evaluating animal welfare. We ask for your ongoing support to implement Country of Origin labelling in New Zealand, to bring New Zealand better into alignment with our major trading partners, and most importantly to ensure New Zealanders have information to allow them to support New Zealand produced food as they demonstrably want to do. Without this, product imported from a wide range of countries can sit alongside New Zealand born and raised pork in-store with no disclosure of its country of origin: all that is required on imported product is the name and address of a New Zealand supplier. In our view this is grossly misleading. New Zealand s world leading pig herd health status is cherished by our farmers and it is another criterion that is highly valued by New Zealand s consumers in choosing their food. We ask for your support to maintain our pig herd health status which contributes to New Zealand s clean green positioning. Herd health status also directly impacts on productivity and minimises the need for veterinary medicines including antibiotics. We are very concerned about the risk posed by a range of pathogens currently exotic to New Zealand but that may be present in the very significant quantities of pig meat now being released into New Zealand without treatment. Such pig meat poses a risk to other livestock sectors as well: if any multi-species pathogen is present in this meat it may be fed to backyard pigs. Backyard pig owners may be unaware of or dismissive of New Zealand s waste feeding regulations which are recognised by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as very difficult to enforce. We ask for your support to work with MPI to monitor quantities of risk material entering into New Zealand. Such information is important as a framework to identify priority readiness activities to invest in, including in partnership with government under GIA. We also seek your support to ensure our farmers can access sufficient skilled and committed stock people to farm effectively and productively. Unfortunately, New Zealand does not currently have a ready supply of skilled and committed pig stock people and it is crucial that we can fill this gap with a small number of migrant workers who in turn will upskill any Kiwi workers who are keen to learn. Looking forward, we are strengthening our investment in animal welfare research and on-farm best practice. We believe there will be niche export opportunities for products and co-products from pigs born and raised in New Zealand, underpinned by our world class health status and world leading welfare assurance, in the same way as these qualities are valued by New Zealanders. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the industry and the role of New Zealand Pork further, or offer any information you may need to help provide greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face, and how we can work together to address these. Ian Carter Chair

6 4 New Zealand Pork strategy After an operational year that was characterised by increasing production but falling schedule prices, New Zealand Pork has continued to focus on efficiencies within its operation, while still delivering a consistent level of service to the industry. This is reflected in a reduced levy for the 2017/18 year, set at $3.38, and ongoing operational savings to the industry of more than $1 million. For the 2017/18 year, NZ Pork is targeting a number of key strategic areas designed to enhance the capabilities of the industry, ensure New Zealand s high farming standards are maintained, deliver strong outcomes for the welfare and care of commercially-farmed animals and communicate these elements to support the position of New Zealand pork in the marketplace for New Zealand consumers. In particular, NZ Pork is devoting significant budget to innovation, science and technology to identify and utilise local and international best practice throughout the farming system. The ongoing evolution of the PigCare independent assurance programme remains a key focus of the whole industry, and sits at the centre of NZ Pork s investment in animal welfare in 2017/18. In order to realise its vision of maintaining a sustainable, profitable industry that gives farmers the confidence to invest, NZ Pork is continuing to put New Zealand consumers at the forefront of its activities. NZ Pork will maintain a programme of consumer engagement, designed to get New Zealanders of all ages cooking pork, understanding the quality and nutritional value of the product and recognising the benefit of choosing locally born and raised pork especially over the growing levels of the imported product. It will support this activity using the resources it invested in during the 2016/17 year including the launch of the Born and Raised in New Zealand (supported by PigCare ) trustmark, the development of a range of online resources ( co.nz) and the introduction of a range of consumer-focused promotions and activities.

7 5 Industry Leadership sustainability Animal Welfare New Zealanders care about the welfare of farmed animals and the quality of farming practices. To highlight and independently verify the broad range of farming and animal husbandry practices that contribute to commercial pig farmers care of their animals, in 2010 the industry introduced PigCare. The PigCare accreditation programme was developed by Massey University with the support of vets, pig farmers, NZ Pork and MPI. It is a world-class assessment of animal welfare that verifies the high standards of care New Zealand s commercial pig farmers provide their animals. The standard complements the country s high animal welfare standards by also focusing on the care, knowledge, expertise, experience and commitment of farmers to provide well for the health and wellbeing of the farmed pigs in their care. PigCare has been an important tool in setting an appropriate standard for professional pork producers. The programme is widely supported by representatives at every stage of the supply chain, from individual farmers, to processors and wholesalers to retailers, who each have an integral role in maintaining and reinforcing the standards. Each year, every commercial pig farm in New Zealand is audited to ensure they are meeting the standards of care, animal welfare and presentation required to be a PigCare TM farmer. The audit process is managed by independent assessors, Quality Consultants New Zealand Limited (QCONZ). The audit covers the whole farm, assessing the health and welfare of the pigs, the farm buildings and facilities, and management and husbandry practices. Where assessors identify opportunities for improvement, they will recommend corrective actions designed to encourage practical, long-term practices that support animal welfare. The PigCare standards are also reviewed every year by a committee made up of farmers, wholesalers, auditors, specialised vets and animal welfare experts. This enables the industry to integrate the benefits of the latest innovations, scientific research and best practices, in a way that can be practically applied, so local farmers can continually meet and improve on New Zealand s world-class farming standards. The success of the PigCare programme in establishing a credible, independently-verified standard for the industry which can be readily communicated with consumers is now considered a model for the primary industry. NZ Pork is currently working with other sectors of the primary industry to share intellectual property and experience in order to streamline the development of similar standards. Health and wellbeing New Zealand s primary industries derive significant value from the health of their animals, which are free from diseases that infect animals around the world but that are exotic to New Zealand. This is particularly true of New Zealand s commercial pig farming industry, which is internationally recognised for its high-health status. Our high status is our prime competitive advantage internationally. To protect this status, the industry constantly monitors pig health and disease outbreaks internationally. It works proactively with the Ministry of Primary Industries, as well as providing submissions, on all matters pertaining to import standards and their implementation that are relevant to maintaining New Zealand s pig herd health status. Within New Zealand, the industry and individual farmers constantly invest in monitoring and upgrading or managing the health of its herds. The commercial industry also relies on established relationships with specialist veterinarians to deliver whole farm health and production programmes. Each farmer implements strict biosecurity controls across all aspects of their operation, from minimising the flow onto the farm of stock and genetic material, managing access to the farm and the careful design of farm infrastructure, to constant cleaning of clothes, vehicles and equipment to set specifications. This not only provides wide-ranging animal welfare benefits by keeping the herd healthy, but means New Zealand consumers can enjoy high-quality food derived from healthy animals. The high health status of New Zealand s commercial pig herd also enables farmers to limit the use of antibiotics. This year, NZ Pork, supported by industry veterinarians and with the full endorsement of farmers at its AGM, introduced a voluntary moratorium on the use of Fluoroquinolones and 3rd and 4th generation Cephalosporins. These classes of antibiotics are classified as the highest priority of critical importance for human medicine and reducing their use in animals is an important means of minimising the risk of emerging antibiotic resistance. It also contributes to New Zealand s reputation as an ethical livestock producer.

8 6 Research investment Also contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of commercially-farmed pigs in New Zealand is the significant long-term investment New Zealand Pork has made into independent research and scientific development. The organisation s long-term contribution to Massey University s Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (IVABS) has provided a well-subscribed source of practical, applied knowledge, which farmers use to support a broad range of animal health and productivity practices. Linked to our relationship with Massey University s IVABS, the organisation has an ongoing investment in independent animal welfare research. NZ Pork funds an animal welfare scientist to act as an independent advisor to the industry, following NZ Pork s sponsorship of her PhD in sow behaviour, welfare and productivity. NZ Pork also invests in science and innovation through its long-term relationship with the Pork Co-operative Research Centre programme (Pork CRC) and its successor the Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited (APRIL). The research has been a valuable source of high-quality scientific research in a host of areas, from herd health and nutrition, and welfare, including sow welfare, to the quality of the food the industry produces. Partnerships In addition to its own health management and biosecurity initiatives, NZ Pork is a partner of GIA (Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response). NZ Pork was the second industry body to join the partnership, and the first within the animal sector. The decision to enter into the GIA partnership as an early adopter was supported by a very large majority of our commercial farmers. This is because they understood the value to the industry of sharing in biosecurity decision making, and equally accepted the quid pro quo of also sharing in the responsibilities and costs of preparing for and responding to biosecurity incursions. The infrastructure for GIA implementation has been slower in firming up than we had hoped, but we remain committed to the concept that better biosecurity will be delivered by the sharing of government s and industry s commitment, knowledge, experience and resources. Environment Each farming style faces different challenges, and NZ Pork works to ensure our farmers understand their individual compliance requirements regarding nutrient management, water quality, climate change, effluent systems and waste management. After years of work in this area, the industry can demonstrate a broad range of practices that drive efficiency and reduce waste. This includes wide-spread recovery of a range of appropriate commercial food by-products to re-cycle as a component of pig feed within a balanced nutritional diet, the creation of compost and nutrients from organic waste as an alternative to commercial fertilisers, and the implementation of advanced alternative fuels programmes, such as methane capture to generate electricity from effluent systems. Education and training At New Zealand Pork, we pride ourselves on our commitment to the people who work for our industry, and frequently work with key stakeholders to ensure knowledge and capability is shared throughout the sector. This is particularly evident in our investment in the continual evolution of training standards for workers in the industry, designed to support professional development. We also celebrate and promote the skills of members within our community through awards and other initiatives, most notably, our stock person and herd manager of the year awards, which are presented at our annual Pork, Bacon and Ham Awards. In addition, NZ Pork works closely with the other livestock industries in areas of common biosecurity concerns. The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Preparedness Programme, led by MPI with the support of the livestock industries is a good example of better biosecurity through collective government and industry input. We have also played our part in a livestock industry working group drafting an operational agreement for FMD, to sit under GIA.

9 7 Consumer engagement With a focus on producing high-quality food that is an affordable source of protein for all New Zealanders, understanding and responding to the demands of local consumers is a significant role for New Zealand Pork. Country of Origin Labelling A number of recent nationwide surveys have highlighted that, by a vast majority, New Zealanders would prefer to buy food that has been produced locally. They trust in the health and quality of local food a trust that has been built over many years, through the dedication and commitment of generations of New Zealand farmers. In the development of the pork industry s own country of origin food labelling, NZ Pork recently commissioned independent consumer research. The nationwide survey of over 300 New Zealand household shoppers found that, when considering the benefits of buying a local product, 86 per cent believed New Zealand s food quality regulations were of a higher standard and 76 per cent felt New Zealand has better farming practices than other countries. In support of the demands of local consumers and the needs of the industry, NZ Pork has been one of the primary sector s most vocal supporters of The Consumers Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Bill. Our research highlighted that local consumers use the New Zealand country of origin as a short cut to identify a range of qualities they prefer to purchase in food. New Zealand s major trading partners all have mandatory country of origin labelling, generally to a greater extent than what the Bill under consideration in New Zealand is proposing. We strongly believe that New Zealand consumers have the same right to know the origin of the food they purchase. Born and Raised in New Zealand Trustmark In a further example of sector leadership, the organisation has introduced its own country of origin labelling for the industry, which has been well supported by major retailers around the country. In mid 2017, NZ Pork rolled out a suite of new retail labels to promote local pork products. Built on the Born and Raised in New Zealand trustmark these labels are designed to highlight the country of origin for the products and reinforce the independent nature of the PigCare programme. The new trustmark meets the desire of Kiwi shoppers to understand that they are buying quality, locally-produced products that have been raised with care. What does PigCare measure?

10 Consumer Campaign Collateral Delish

11 9 BECAUSE I CHOOSE 100% NZ PORK Delish Our PigCare programme illustrates how well our farmers take care of their pigs. At New Zealand Pork, we are proud to represent a great local farming sector, which is dedicated to providing born and raised in New Zealand pork. It was created by Massey University with help from vets, farmers, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Unlike local products, imported pork does not need to meet the high welfare standards set by PigCare.. To make sure your pork has come from a well-cared for pig, it s really important to choose Born and Raised in New Zealand labelled pork, bacon and ham products. born and raised in new Zealand new trustmark We know that Kiwis love the taste of fresh New Zealand pork, so we ve created a new label. This helps your customers choose the local products they are looking for. All pork, bacon and ham products labeled Born and Raised in New Zealand come from local farmers, who raised their pigs with care. Although Kiwis produce a great, fresh product, 58 per cent of pork sold in New Zealand comes from overseas. Animal health and welfare Management and husbandry Knowledge and expertise Buildings and facilities Hygiene and cleanliness Science and innovation Regulatory standards

12 10 Issues management Part of New Zealand Pork s role is also to monitor and manage a range of risks that have the potential to affect farmers ability to operate in a productive and sustainable manner. Biosecurity The New Zealand pork industry has worked extremely hard to create and maintain healthy animal populations. But the commercial herd remains at constant risk from diseases that are currently exotic to New Zealand, which may be imported into the country and devastate the sector. With contracted help from specialist industry vets, NZ Pork is undertaking various projects to monitor disease risks for the commercial industry. In particular, the organisation is currently modelling a range of surveillance options for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) a devastating exotic disease which has swept the world since it was identified in New Zealand is one of very few countries currently free of the disease, and the development of a surveillance programme is a tool that may provide early identification of an incursion for this pathogen. The work is also a potential model to identify not only other pig-specific diseases, but cross-species diseases that pose a risk to New Zealand s primary industry. Outbreaks of PRRS in several countries have been linked to infected meat products, which were fed to non-commercially raised animals. This possible infection pathway remains one of the key risks to the health of the commercial pig population, due to the large and increasing volumes of internationally produced pig meat brought into this country. For example, 60 per cent of the pork products consumed in New Zealand are imported. Although these imported meats must meet an import health standard, a risk management measure accepted by New Zealand permits the release of consumer ready cuts of pig meat from selected countries infected with PRRS. It is recognised that this pig meat may contain infectious PRRS virus. The industry is highly concerned that this infected pig meat may find its way into New Zealand s pig herd via the illegal feeding of such product, or scraps from this product, to non-commercially raised pigs. Since this measure was put in place the quantities of potentially infected pig meat entering into New Zealand has risen substantially, to now reach a level around 10 times greater than predicted. Of note, this approach to risk management whereby infectious virus is accepted in product is in stark contrast to the approach taken, for example, for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) where meat from infected countries is not permitted in any form. In addition, any risk of PRRS infection via imported genetic material is of significant concern. We support risk management standards that equal those put in place by commercial providers of pig semen in other countries. Modern farming practice Like most of the primary sector, the commercial pig farming industry operates in an environment of high public scrutiny, especially around animal welfare and public health issues. A particular challenge for the pig industry is that there is a low general awareness of the standards and practices of modern farming. In particular, it is often noted that public perception of animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental management doesn t always align with the latest scientific research, established best-practice and the balanced requirements of a sustainable and productive commercial agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to GDP. Pigs needs are quite unique compared to other farmed animals. They need constant access to shelter and shade, a balanced diet, fed daily, and regular care and supervision. To meet these needs, New Zealand s commercial pig farmers have adopted a range of farming methods that they believe are well suited to their animals and their general environment. While commercial pigs in New Zealand are raised using a variety of farming methods, they are all based on high national animal welfare standards and farmers expertise assured through PigCare accreditation. The industry s approach to a broad range of farming practices also draws on the best available international science and good practice. The industry s success in taking this approach was reinforced by the latest review on the use of farrowing crates by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), which provides independent advice to the Government in helping set New Zealand s welfare standards.

13 11 Despite significant investment in research all around the world including New Zealand, no farrowing system has been commercialised that delivers perfect welfare, across all elements of welfare, for both the sow and her piglets. We have appended the summary of a paper prepared by Dr Kirsty Chidgey, Massey University, highlighting the many different and sometimes conflicting aspects of welfare required by the sow and her piglets around farrowing, and how welfare is provided for in different farrowing systems. (The full paper is available on request.) Ensuring New Zealand s consumers understand that animal welfare is central to the approach of commercial pig farmers is a key part of NZ Pork s role as advocate for the industry promoting the use of our PigCare programme and world class standards. Skilled workforce NZ Pork is also focused on responding to the evolving needs of a small commercial industry, which today requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce with a passion for what they do. The abilities of staff make a critical difference to the outcomes for every farm, not only in terms of production, but in achieving the standards set for everything from animal welfare to health and safety. However, as a niche industry operating within a much larger sector, commercial pig farmers struggle to attract local employees with the full range of training, experience and aptitude to meet the demands of an increasingly specialised operation with high professional standards. As a result, the industry is currently experiencing a critical skills gap. One of the ways in which individual farmers are currently addressing this is by employing a small number of skilled migrant workers. In the current employment environment, these skilled migrants are essential to the survival and growth of our industry

14 12 Working together Resources Whether it is participation in the GIA partnership or supporting Country of Origin legislation, New Zealand Pork has an established history of collaboration to a wide range of activity undertaken by the Government. Our aim is to be a supportive and proactive partner, sharing knowledge and expertise, contributing support and information and providing regular no-surprises updates on a wide range of issues that may not only impact the pig sector but may have the potential to affect the whole primary industry. Wherever possible, we would welcome the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the development of any standards, guidelines or legislation which could have an impact on the commercial pig farming industry or the wider primary sector. We also welcome the opportunity to provide further information or offer access to our team of industry specialists who focus on a wide range of environmental, biosecurity, health, welfare and farming practices, as well as the production of safe and suitable food that is locally grown to cater for New Zealand consumers. There are a range of resources providing information about the industry readily available online, or for further details or advice on specific issues, please contact New Zealand Pork. nzpork.co.nz pork.co.nz pigcare.co.nz Key contacts New Zealand Pork Phone: or info@nzpork.co.nz Unit 2a/9 Sir Gil Simpson Drive Burnside, Christchurch 8053 PO Box Bishopdale, Christchurch 8543 Ian Carter Chairman Ben Voice Deputy Chairman Paul Bucknell Director David Lawton Director

15 13 Considering the welfare of sows and piglets during farrowing and lactation Introduction The objective of any farrowing system is to support the survival of as many well grown, healthy piglets as possible, while simultaneously providing for the needs of the sow. However, balancing the needs of sows and piglets is a challenging task. In addition, the safety of the stockperson, ease of operation, and high levels of hygiene must be considered together with the welfare of the sow and her litter. The main challenges arise because a farrowing system must accommodate the sow and her piglets at the same time; yet the sow and her litter each have specific and sometimes conflicting needs. Furthermore, these needs change throughout the different stages which occur before, during, and after farrowing (giving birth). Every farrowing system design therefore carries a degree of welfare compromise for the sow and/or the piglets. Summary Every farrowing system - be it a crate, a pen, or a hut, has some degree of welfare compromise that affects the sow, the piglets, or both. Pre-weaning piglet mortality is an indicator of economic performance, but is also an important indicator of piglet welfare. Farrowing systems which utilise a crate from before farrowing to weaning are the most commonly used farrowing system in all pig producing countries. This system produces the lowest pre-weaning piglet mortality; however, while many facets of sow welfare are well provided for, their welfare is compromised due to restricted mobility and limited behavioural expression. Concerns for the welfare of sows housed in crates have led to a restriction of the sow s lactation length to a maximum of 4 weeks in this system. Larger farrowing pens that may temporarily use a crate do provide more space for the sow, and with it, the ability to move and turn around. The trade-off is that piglet mortality is higher, as crushing mortality is significantly higher in these systems compared to crates. Farrowing huts are used in outdoor systems, and while the sow is able to build a nest and can leave the hut, the piglets needs for a separate protected space away from the sow, that meets their specific thermal needs, is lacking. Pre-weaning piglet mortality is the highest in this farrowing system. A significant body of international research has been conducted in an effort to develop pen-based alternative indoor farrowing systems that reduce or eliminate the use of farrowing crates, without compromising sow and/or piglet welfare. Upon reviewing this research, NAWAC concluded that there is no practical alternative to pens with farrowing crates that provides comparable levels of piglet welfare while simultaneously improving the welfare of sows. To date, the trade-offs present in every farrowing system have made it extremely difficult to find an optimal system that meets the needs of the sow without compromising the welfare of the piglets. Dr Kirsty Chidgey Massey University, Palmerston North January 2018

16 NEW ZEALAND PORK BRIEFING TO THE 52ND PARLIAMENT OF NEW ZEALAND New Zealand Pork PO Box , Christchurch 8543, New Zealand