New Zealand pig farmers are urging Kiwis to back the industry and have their say on a controversial draft code of welfare.
A new website www.supportnzpigfarmers.co.nz provides information on the drastic changes proposed by the Government and enables Kiwis to lodge submissions directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The draft welfare code for pigs released by the Government for public consultation last month could result in the deaths of thousands of additional piglets, pig farms shutting down, and force Kiwis to rely on even more imported pork producing using practices that are illegal in New Zealand.
“Our pig farmers have received a great deal of support from New Zealanders who are shocked about the impact of the Government’s proposed changes and the fact imported pork is not required to meet our high standards,” says Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork.
“We support science-backed improvements to animal welfare, but the proposed changes could force farmers out of business and put the price of New Zealand born and raised pork out of the reach of many Kiwis.
“That’s why we need the public’s help to ensure our farmers can continue to produce New Zealand born and raised pork to high animal welfare and environmental standards.”
The draft code, which goes well beyond the welfare requirements in other countries, includes colossal changes to the minimum space allowance required for grower pigs, a ban or significant limitation on the traditional use of farrowing systems (farrowing crates), an effective ban on mating stalls and sets a minimum weaning age of 28 days for piglets.
“We’re urging the Government to reject the proposals developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee,” Mr Kleiss says.
“They would impose welfare standards further removed from those in most of the world while allowing even more pork to be imported and consumed here.”
Karl Stanley, a pig farmer in Taranaki, is backing the campaign.
“As a farmer, I am committed to improving welfare outcomes – a happy and contented pig is a productive pig. However, any change must deliver proven animal welfare outcomes for all pigs,” Mr Stanley says.
“Our welfare standards are already much higher than the rest of the world – the Government’s changes would widen that gap even further. It’s more important than ever that we support New Zealand pig farmers to be the best in the world.”
Campaign calls on Kiwis to support local pork producers and speak out on controversial proposals
New Zealand pig farmers are urging Kiwis to back the industry and have their say on a controversial draft code of welfare.
A new website www.supportnzpigfarmers.co.nz provides information on the drastic changes proposed by the Government and enables Kiwis to lodge submissions directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The draft welfare code for pigs released by the Government for public consultation last month could result in the deaths of thousands of additional piglets, pig farms shutting down, and force Kiwis to rely on even more imported pork producing using practices that are illegal in New Zealand.
“Our pig farmers have received a great deal of support from New Zealanders who are shocked about the impact of the Government’s proposed changes and the fact imported pork is not required to meet our high standards,” says Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork.
“We support science-backed improvements to animal welfare, but the proposed changes could force farmers out of business and put the price of New Zealand born and raised pork out of the reach of many Kiwis.
“That’s why we need the public’s help to ensure our farmers can continue to produce New Zealand born and raised pork to high animal welfare and environmental standards.”
The draft code, which goes well beyond the welfare requirements in other countries, includes colossal changes to the minimum space allowance required for grower pigs, a ban or significant limitation on the traditional use of farrowing systems (farrowing crates), an effective ban on mating stalls and sets a minimum weaning age of 28 days for piglets.
“We’re urging the Government to reject the proposals developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee,” Mr Kleiss says.
“They would impose welfare standards further removed from those in most of the world while allowing even more pork to be imported and consumed here.”
Karl Stanley, a pig farmer in Taranaki, is backing the campaign.
“As a farmer, I am committed to improving welfare outcomes – a happy and contented pig is a productive pig. However, any change must deliver proven animal welfare outcomes for all pigs,” Mr Stanley says.
“Our welfare standards are already much higher than the rest of the world – the Government’s changes would widen that gap even further. It’s more important than ever that we support New Zealand pig farmers to be the best in the world.”