OSPRI has changed tack on how it develops NAIT strategy.
Head of traceability at OSPRI Clifton King said usually the company develops a strategy, then consults farmers and stakeholders about funding and implementation, but it is now following a new approach.
“Instead of doing one round of consultation towards the end, we’re doing two rounds. The first round, which is currently underway, will enable us to understand farmers’ viewpoints before we start strategy development. Farmers’ views will be front and centre in our minds,” he said.
NAIT and its funders review the scheme every three years to shape the next three-year strategy and to calculate funding, including any levy adjustments.
The next three-year period starts on July 1, 2025.
First round submissions for the NAIT 2025–2028 Traceability Operational Strategy Consultation close on Sunday, August 11.
The submissions document asks, for instance: “What changes would make it easier to comply with NAIT scheme obligations, what changes do you believe would increase people in charge of animals’ awareness of their NAIT obligations, and what changes to compliance and enforcement would be an effective deterrent [for non-compliance]?”
Said King: “In light of the feedback received in this round of consultation, OSPRI will then work to develop the strategy for the next three years. We’ll be putting that strategy back up for consultation in the second round in 2025.”
King said OSPRI has already received 177 submissions.
The chance to submit on the new strategy was announced in July, with OSPRI asking participating farmers, PICAs (Persons In Charge of Animals), saleyards, stock and station agents, meat processors, livestock exporters, transport operators and tag manufacturers for their input.
An Official Information Act request showed non-compliance declined between 2022 and 2023.
Glen Burrell, director of compliance and response at the Ministry for Primary Industries, said in 2022 a total of 2073 infringements were served, with only 1340 served in 2023.
The decline was due to lower levels of offending and more animals being registered, Burrell said.
