By Eric Roy, chair of NZ Pork.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the statute that led to the foundation of New Zealand Pork, the organisation representing New Zealand pig farmers. NZ Pork’s recent conference provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the many changes over the past half-century.
In 1974, the Pork Act established the Pork Industry Council, which marked the beginning of organised representation for pig farmers.
At that time, the industry had a larger workforce and fewer regulations. Over the years, significant developments in regulation and environmental requirements have prompted the industry to adapt and evolve.
In 1997, the Pork Industry Board Act established the statutory industry board that we have today, which I am proud to chair.
Pork production, though a small part of our primary sector, is vital. Pork consumption is increasing both in NZ and globally. NZ Pork works to support producers in building a sustainable future and ensuring high standards of animal welfare.
Sustainability and welfare standards are critical when considering the opportunities and challenges for our pork producers.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from commercial pig farming are low compared to other livestock production sectors, contributing just 0.2% of NZ’s total agricultural emissions. Our goal is for the commercial pig farming sector to be carbon neutral by 2050.
We have collaborated with AgResearch to develop a tool that allows pork producers to estimate on-farm GHG emissions, and we are working with farmers to generate emissions estimation reports.
There are many positive stories within the sector, from farmers capturing biogas and delivering organic fertiliser to pastoral farms, to a solar farm providing renewable energy to a pig farm.
NZ’s pork sector has more stringent welfare and environmental standards and enforcement regimes than are found in most other countries.
Significant strides have been made through investment in genetic improvements, and the domestic pig herd is free of many diseases prevalent in other countries. These qualities are highly valued by consumers.
However, maintaining high standards brings higher costs, and one of our biggest challenges is the influx of imported pork, most of which is produced more cheaply under lower welfare standards, with lower production costs, and often subsidised.
Almost two-thirds of pork consumed in NZ is imported, yet there is no requirement for it to meet our animal welfare standards. Additionally, being farther from major grain-producing countries increases our feed costs, exacerbated by global issues like war and weather.
The current country-of-origin labelling legislation is failing our pork producers and consumers, as it does not ensure accurate information about where pork has been produced.
In 2022, the National Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) drafted a proposed new code of welfare for pigs, which outlines changes that would further increase costs for farmers. Some aspects of the proposal could negatively impact pig welfare and likely drive some farmers out of business.
Farmers have been in limbo for more than two years awaiting a final decision, making it very difficult for them to make decisions or invest in their businesses. Some have left the industry altogether.
We are hopeful that the government lands on an evidence-based solution so NZ pig farmers can continue to do what they love.
At our conference, I acknowledged the steadfastness of our commercial pig farmers who continue to produce quality, ethically produced pork for New Zealanders despite such uncertainty.
We should be proud of this small but highly skilled part of our primary industries and support them. When you purchase products with NZ Pork’s PigCare Born & Raised in New Zealand label, you know you are choosing a product that is a cut above the rest.
