Hold imported pork to New Zealand standards

NZPork is urging the government to take urgent action to ensure imported pork meets the same animal welfare standards as New Zealand-born and -raised pork. The plea comes following a decision by Parliament’s Primary Production select committee not to ask Parliament to investigate ways to address the inequalities facing local producers of pork. The committee had considered a petition signed by almost 3500 New Zealanders calling for the same animal welfare standards to be applied to imported pork as those for NZ-raised pork. About 60% of pork consumed in NZ is imported, with most of it produced in countries using practices that are illegal in this country. However, in its final report on the petition started by NZPork policy adviser Frances Clement, the select committee has opted not to pursue the request. NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss said it is a disappointing decision. “The unfairness of the regulations on New Zealand’s pig farmers clearly resonated with thousands of New ...