David Moffett speaks out about rough deal for pork producers

Former New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive wants to help our National Pork Industry by speaking out about the rough deal pork producers face each and every day.

8th May 2017

David Moffett doubts whether even one percent of Kiwis know that the bulk of bacon and pork they eat is imported. Moffett holds grave concerns that many countries exporting pork to New Zealand do not meet New Zealand’s stringent local legislated requirements – the government must step in; the state of New Zealand’s pork industry is being ignored and he wants to make a difference.

Former New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive David Moffett opens up to John McKenzie about his reasons for deciding to seek a board position on the New Zealand Pork Industry Board of Directors.

John – Why are you interested in this position?

David – I was approached by a friend of mine to see if I would be interested in applying and my initial reaction was, I don’t know. So I spoke to some people and what I heard and read caused me to become very interested.

John – What things in particular are you talking about?

David - Well the first thing I learnt was that over sixty percent of pork we consume is imported from places like Canada, US, Spain, Finland, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, China and even Brazil.

Whilst these imports have grown alarmingly over the last 17 years, home grown pork has flat lined over the same period. In addition the number of pork growers has more than halved at the same time.

John – Do you think many Kiwis are aware of these facts?

David – I doubt whether even one percent of Kiwis know that the bulk of bacon and pork they eat is imported and racked up so many food miles to get here and the detrimental effect that has on our carbon footprint.

John – So how do you think you can help?

David – At a minimum, by increasing awareness and by getting the government to legislate that it should be mandatory that all pork sold in New Zealand should have to meet the minimum standards placed on our farmers, these were set by this same government. Pork New Zealand has also developed the Pig Care label, in association with Massey University. This identifies pork which has been born and raised in NZ and should be mandatory on all Kiwi product.. This would give consumers confidence about where their pork comes from. This should be extended to all pork imports as well.

I am worried that the government does not have the same concern for New Zealand pork producers as lamb and beef because pork is not an export commodity.

John How has this affected farmers?

David - In recent years New Zealand Pork farmers have, with the introduction of the industry led Pig Care; their on farm quality assurance system, had to lift their game substantially in respect of their farming methods. Legislation forced farmers to remove sows from their stalls and place them in a group housing facility.

That is the right thing to do. But they don’t have a level playing field. Countries that are exporting their pork to New Zealand do not have to meet these stringent requirements and the industry needs Government support to change that. In reality when the Government took the pork industry to the High Court and won, they made it easier to import pork from PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome) infected countries such as the USA.

It is estimated that 50,000 sows overseas are producing pork for the New Zealand market and they can be confined in stalls for their entire lives.

Finally SAFE NZ (Save Animals From Exploitation) were instrumental in getting change to pork farming in New Zealand. Why are they not doing anything about the pork being imported into New Zealand?

ENDS

Photo supplied: Head shoulder image of David

About David Moffett

From the early 90's through to 2005 David was involved as the CEO in many International sporting organisations, among them the New Zealand Rugby Union at a time when rugby moved to professionalism and the Welsh Rugby Unions. In recent years he has built a successful Consultancy business working with a wide cross section of businesses.

About New Zealand Pork (NZPork)

New Zealand Pork (NZPork) is the operational name of the New Zealand Pork Industry Board. It works on behalf of New Zealand’s pig farmers/producers.

• NZPork supports producers through advocacy, marketing and communications.

• NZPork help the pork industry make the best possible contribution to New Zealand’s economy.

• NZPork promote a sustainable and profitable future for New Zealand’s pig producers.

Established by the Pork Industry Board Act (1997), NZPork is a statutory board. Funding comes from a levy on all commercially slaughtered pigs. The levy is set each year by producers at the Annual General Meeting and Conference. The Board has five Directors. Four are elected by producers (the farmers) and one is appointed by the Minister for Primary Industries.

For more information see http://www.nzpork.co.nz

© Scoop Media