AsureQuality - Updated 97 March 2016

Last updated: 09 March 2016

'Site Status' Definition:

• Compliant: Production site compliant with survey requirements. Post harvest requirements will be verified by IVA's prior to certification

AsureQuality - Updated 92 March 2016

All Markets Including Taiwan

All Packing and/or Storage Facilities registrations expire on 31 October each year.

AsureQuality - Updated 924 February 2016

Overseas Market Requirements (OMARs) for wine

OMARs outline specific requirements you need to meet when exporting to those countries or markets.

• Find OMARs for wineFind OMARs for wine
• Market-specific requirements

Date modified: 108 March 2016

• Wine exporters
• Laboratories for export wine analysisLaboratories for export wine analysis
• Exempt winemakers
• Pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs)
• Verification under the Wine Act 2003 - recognised agencies
• Wine verifiers - recognised persons
• Wine standards management plans
• ACVM veterinary medicines, agricultural chemicals and vertebrate toxic agents

A survey on the loss of bee hives in New Zealand has found the rate to be low-to-average compared to international studies.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the beekeeping industry have today released a report on the findings of the inaugural New Zealand Colony Loss and Survival Survey in 2015.

The survey found New Zealand bee hive losses at 11% as opposed to an average of 17% internationally in the northern hemisphere.

The major cause of hive loss was problems associated with queen bees, in particular, drone-laying queens (queens that lay under-fertilised eggs which result in drones (males)), and the absence of a queen or the death of the queen. Other losses were attributed to hive thefts, changes in land access, nectar, pollination sources and overcrowding of apiary sites and wasps.

“Beekeeping is an integral part of New Zealand’s agricultural economy. The honey bee is an abundant and readily managed pollinator for pastoral, arable, and horticultural production,” said Stuart Anderson, Director Spatial, Forestry and Land Management, MPI.

“The purpose of the survey, the first of its kind in New Zealand, was to build a better picture of the state of our honey bees and the challenges beekeepers are facing. The results will provide baseline information for monitoring managed honey bee colony loss and survival over time.”

The survey, by Landcare Research, was commissioned by MPI, the National Beekeepers Association and the Bee Interest Group of Federated Farmers.

The survey provides the most comprehensive picture to date of bee hive losses in New Zealand. A total of 366 beekeepers, who collectively manage 225,660 hives, were surveyed about their beekeeping practices, losses of hives and its causes, queen bee health, varroa treatments, supplementary feeding, overcrowding and loss of apiary sites.

The survey was modelled on colony loss surveys being conducted around the world and adapted to the New Zealand setting, and done in consultation with New Zealand beekeepers.

“In temperate climates such as New Zealand, some colony loss is expected over winter due to lack of food and poor foraging weather, bees being too weak to survive the cold, or bee health being compromised by pests and diseases or environmental factors,” said Mr Anderson.

Overall, commercial beekeepers reported fewer hive losses than non-commercial beekeepers.

The survey was not intended to diagnose Colony Collapse Disorder or Colony Depopulation Syndrome in New Zealand, rather it provides baseline data that will provide an insight as where further research may be required.

MPI will be discussing the findings with industry over the next few months and what they mean for colony health and beekeeping practice.

Download the New Zealand Colony Loss and Survival survey

Who can help?

• Council contact list – Department of Internal Affairs website
• Food safety consultants
• Food safety programme auditors

Subscribe to Food Act 2014 website updates

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding consumers to take care when drinking raw unpasteurised milk.

MPI Director Animal and Animal Products Matthew Stone says raw milk is considered a high risk food and it's important that consumers understand this.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurised (heat treated) to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli,E coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella that are potentially present in the milk.

"Many people who drink raw milk do not always fully understand the risks and don’t realise that there is the possibility of getting sick from the harmful bacteria in the milk."

"Pregnant women, young children (particularly babies), the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems should not drink raw milk as they are at greatest risk of getting sick and the consequences for them can be more severe, and in some cases can lead to death," says Mr Stone.

"No matter how carefully the animals are milked there is always a risk that harmful bacteria can get into the milk. There is no way of telling by taste, sight or smell if the milk you are drinking contains any harmful bacteria so we recommend that people heat their raw milk until just boiling (or to 70 degrees Celsius for one minute) before drinking it."

Keeping raw milk refrigerated (4 degrees Celsius or less) also reduces the risk of any harmful bacteria in the milk growing to levels which make people sick when they drink it. People should discard the milk if it has been left out of the fridge and has reached room temperature.

"People who choose to drink raw milk should make sure they are getting their milk directly from the farmer and are only buying it for personal and household consumption."

  Get more information about raw milk and food safety

Updated 10Updated 8 March 2016

The aim

The New Zealand Sheep Industry Transformation Project (NZSTX) aims to increase production of market-driven sheep, shifting the balance between New Zealand strong and fine wool production, and using product differentiation to generate better grower returns for sheep fibre, meat and other products.

The challenge

Over recent decades, profitability in the sheep meat and strong wool sectors has suffered long-term decline, resulting in a large drop in the national sheep flock in favour of dairy and other production. At the same time, prices for fine wool fibre (such as Merino) have remained higher and demand from international markets for certain fine wool types has begun to outstrip New Zealand supply (for example, in the active outdoors apparel market).

While additional premiums for New Zealand fine wool growers have been achieved through successful product differentiation, this success has not been replicated in other parts of the New Zealand sheep industry with strong wool and sheep meat typically being sold on a commodity basis.

The solution

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) model, which forms the foundation of the NZSTX programme, takes a fit-for-market approach. The end-market user is identified, and connections are made right through the value chain back to the grower that produced the raw fibre (or meat). This connection between the grower and the market encourages truly fit-for-market production, with clear specifications to be met, providing the opportunity for premiums to be generated throughout the supply chain.

To address the growing demand for New Zealand fine wool fibre in specific markets, such as the active outdoors apparel market, and steadily shrinking demand for strong wool, a key objective for NZSTX is to shift production towards a more fit-for-market  fibre type,  In addition, these fit-for-market sheep will produce meat that is being differentiated through NZSTX initiatives to achieve greater value for growers and the value chain.

Underpinning this shift in production to better meet market demands is the portfolio of NZSTX production science projects. The 3 key areas are genetics, animal health and forage production. A major focus for the remainder of the NZSTX programme is on the FeetFirst project, which spans both genetics and animal health, and is seeking a new genetic solution to footrot in sheep.

Find out more

• Merino farmers close to solving $10M footrot problem – Stuff website
• FeetFirst project website
• NZM Production Science website

Outcome Logic Model

• Outcome logic for NZSTX - November 2013

Outcomes to date

• Through NZSTX initiatives, the NZM fibre supply contract model has been enhanced, with more direct supply contracts for the New Zealand fine wool clip, often at a significant premium to the global commodity price. Contracts are in place with market partners from around the world, including New Zealand, Europe, the USA, the UK, China and Japan. 
• Differentiation of New Zealand Merino fibre undertaken through NZSTX has enabled the development of new brand partnerships across a range of micron categories, the creation of new business prospects with potential brand partners, as well as continued demand for New Zealand fine wool fibre from established brand partners.
• Through NZSTX, NZM has further developed the suite of tools used to differentiate New Zealand Merino fibre, particularly in the digital communication space. This assists brand partners with market positioning of New Zealand fine wool fibre.
• NZM’s farm accreditation system, which underpins the credibility of traceable and sustainably produced New Zealand Merino fibre, has been enhanced during the life of NZSTX. This accreditation system enables brand partners to meet the increasing consumer demand for these attributes.
• Alongside NZSTX, NZM has begun marketing New Zealand strong wool and has had a number of early successes with new brand partners in this space and significant grower commitment. This work is strongly aligned with the NZSTX strategy for the 2-year extension, as it enables NZM to build relationships with strong wool growers and provides the opportunity to discuss moving towards more fit-for-market production with these growers.
• NZM and Silver Fern Farms (through the Alpine Origin Merino joint venture) have differentiated Merino meat under the 'Silere alpine origin merino' brand. This is providing improved pricing certainty for New Zealand sheep growers through longer-term contracts. Branded sales of Merino, both domestically and internationally, are continuing to grow.
• In collaboration with New Zealand Light Leathers, NZM prototyped Merino leather in the high-end fashion market (as 'Kura New Zealand Alpine Leather'). While this concept showed promise, it is not a commercially scalable prospect at present. 
• The production science programme, which will continue until June 2017, focuses on genetics, animal health, forage and technology transfer.
• So far, the FeetFirst project has delivered a prototype genomic breeding value (gBV) for footrot resistance in fine wool sheep. This gBV will be further refined (including prototyping of the commercialisation pathway) during years 6 and 7 of the NZSTX programme.
• A fine wool central progeny test (CPT) has been established for the New Zealand sheep industry, which is enabling estimated breeding values (EBVs) to be generated across the New Zealand fine wool sheep flock. The CPT is also playing an important role in the development of the gBV for footrot resistance.
• There has been a significant uptake of EBV technology amongst New Zealand fine wool stud breeders as a result of NZSTX, with increasing awareness of the technology (and demand) from commercial breeders.
• A nucleus breeding flock has been established to develop an improved fine wool sheep genotype (including improved carcass, reproduction and animal health attributes), with a group of 7 breeders committing to continue the nucleus flock as a commercial entity.
• A study into the impact of Ovine Johne’s disease, undertaken in collaboration with the Johne’s disease research consortium (JDRC) has delivered improved understanding of the economic proposition for vaccinating fine wool sheep against the disease.
• Software has been developed for modelling production system comparisons between different sheep genotypes (for example fine wool versus strong-wool). This software programme is used in consultations with sheep producers considering the transition from strong wool to more 'fit-for-market' sheep production systems.
• Trial work done by Lincoln University has increased knowledge of how alternative legumes can be established and managed in sheep production systems in challenging high country environments. Through a dedicated agronomist service supported by NZSTX, there has been accelerated forage development amongst New Zealand’s fine wool sheep producers – particularly using legumes such as lucerne.

Audit

• Report on the management of Primary Growth Partnership funding by New Zealand Merino Company Ltd for the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

Mid-term progress review report

New Zealand sheep industry transformation PGP programme (March 2014)

Consumer health is our top priority

Infant and other formulas are as safe to use today as they were before the threat was made. But our advice is always to check the packaging of any food product for signs of tampering, especially products intended for the most vulnerable people, like babies. If you do find signs of tampering, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33.

In response to the blackmail threat, we developed resources to help consumers check for signs of tampering.

 Video – checking for tampering

Download a factsheet on how to check for tampering

Government's response

When the threat was made, the government, manufacturers, and retailers worked together to put additional layers of security in place so consumers could continue using infant formula with confidence. We called our coordinated response 'Operation Concord'.

Because security and safety measures for making infant and other formula have always been very strong, we knew there was only a low risk to consumers. 

What we did

When the threat was made, government and industry increased vigilance and security across the supply chain. We:

• added extra security at infant and other formula factories
• extended milk and milk product testing, including a new 1080 testing programme
• increased the vigilance of everyone in the supply chain
• put in place an audit programme to confirm dairy processing facilities continue to maintain the highest level of security and vigilance
• strengthened security at retail stores
• made information and advice available to consumers through a range of channels.

Much of this heightened security remains in place, even after the arrest.

We developed resources during the response to show the security of the infant and other formula supply chain.

Download our factsheet showing all the checks in the supply chain

 Video – the supply chain

Official Information Act release

We've released a range of documents about 'Operation Concord' under the Official Information Act (OIA).

Check out our Operation Concord OIA release

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is taking the fight against velvetleaf to individuals in the provinces with a series of farmer support meetings starting in the South Island next week.

Velvetleaf is an invasive pastoral and cropping weed that has been found on 252 farms around the country. The majority of affected properties are in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Its presence here has been linked to the importation of contaminated fodder beet seed.

The Ministry has been working with primary sector industry bodies and regional councils to investigate the situation, find and destroy outbreaks, and develop plans to manage the weed in future.

Response Incident Controller David Yard says managing velvetleaf is possible if everyone involved stays on top of it – every year.

"We recognise that this is very disappointing for those farmers who have this pest weed on their properties. But we are also keen that farmers understand that relatively simple measures such as good machinery hygiene, management of stock and crop planting, and removing any velvetleaf plants that appear will all help control the situation.

"It is vital that farmers and rural contractors have this knowledge and for this reason, we've organised meetings in the key affected areas to provide full information about velvetleaf and its management."

There are 2 components to the meetings in each location. In the mornings – from 10am to midday – there will be an open public session, and during the afternoons affected farmers will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with technical experts to develop a personalised management plan for their property.

The first 3 meetings are in Canterbury:

• Tuesday 19 July - Waipara Hall, corner of Johnston Street and Ferguson Avenue, Waipara, Amberley
• Wednesday 20 July - Pleasant Point Town Hall - Halstead Road, Pleasant Point, Timaru
• Thursday 21 July - Tinwald War Memorial Hall, corner of Graham and McMurdo Streets, Tinwald, Ashburton

All meetings start at 10am.

Download the full schedule of meetings

Find out more about velvetleaf

Previous media releases

• 26 May 2016
• 18 May 2016
• 29 April 2016
• 13 April 2016
• 5 April 2016
• 24 March 2016
• 16 March 2016

The Ministry for Primary Industries is prosecuting a commercial fisherman in relation to the deaths of 38 albatrosses and is moving to put in place additional measures to help prevent further seabird deaths.

The charges relate to an incident off the West Coast in which 38 albatrosses died when a commercial fisherman fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna allegedly failed to use a tori line – a mandatory mitigation device designed to scare birds away from baited hooks.

The skipper faces a maximum fine of $100,000 in relation to an offence under the Fisheries (Commercial Fishing) Regulations and forfeiture of the vessel used in the operation.

MPI Acting Director Fisheries Management, Steve Halley, says the decision to prosecute sends a clear message that the rules need to be followed.

"MPI works regularly with commercial fishers to reiterate the importance of bird mitigation and the need to comply with regulations designed to prevent seabird bycatch.

"Non-compliance is not acceptable. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecution action will be taken.

"MPI is now moving to put in place further mitigation techniques including mandatory use of line-weighting for all vessels using surface longlines.

"Line-weighting is used successfully in other fisheries as part of best practice by reducing the availability of baited hooks during the setting of gear."

Mr Halley says MPI will also put placement notices on the higher risk vessels in the Southern Bluefin Tuna fleet. The notices mean vessels cannot go fishing without an MPI observer on board.

"We've been working with industry in this area for some time and will focus on ensuring continuous improvements are made.

"New Zealand has a significant role to play in safeguarding the many seabird species within our waters. The changes MPI plans to make reflect that responsibility."

A Taranaki contract milker has been fined close to $4,000 for amputating the teats of dairy cows by placing rubber rings on them and cutting them off with scissors.

47-year-old Claudio Da Costa was convicted and fined $3,750 when he appeared in the New Plymouth District Court today.

The Ministry for Primary Industries began an investigation after receiving a complaint to its Animal Welfare hotline in November last year when Da Costa was working as a contract milker at a property in Okato.

MPI's Wellington/Taranaki District Compliance Manager, Mike Green, says the farm's owners found 12 dairy cows to have missing teats and consulted a vet to find out what had happened to them.

He says Da Costa admitted he had removed the teats by placing a rubber ring on them and cutting them off 2 days later with a pair of scissors.

He failed to use any form of pain relief.

"In explanation for his actions, Da Costa said the cows had bad lacerations to their teats and he considered it the quickest and cheapest way to fix the problem," says Mr Green.

"He said the lacerations were already causing the cows pain and he didn't believe his actions caused them any more pain."

Mr Green says expert veterinary opinion stated that sensory innervation of the teat is dense and therefore very sensitive to trauma and other painful stimuli.

Any teat surgery there requires analgesia and should only be undertaken by a veterinarian.

 It was highly unlikely that all 12 cows would have required treatment by teat amputation.

"Teat occlusion using the method employed by Da Costa is a draconian practice with no place in modern dairy farming."

Food Act workshops for businesses

The Ministry for Primary Industries and local councils have beenare running joint workshops throughout New Zealand in May, June and July 2016 to help businesses work with the Food Act. The next workshop will be held in Whakatāne on 1 August 2016. 

The workshops help people understand what the Food Act 2014 means for their business, and work out what they need to do and when. They're yourThe workshops give people an opportunity to speak to both council and MPI representatives about any concerns – andconcerns. They also have the chance to talk to other businesses.

Agenda

The agenda for each workshop follows the same outline:

• Introduction to the Food Act: This includes presentations by MPI and local council and a question session (50 minutes).
• Where do I fit? Check what type of regulation applies to you (10 minutes).
• Ask the experts: Ask about your specific business. Topics include using a written plan, getting registered, working with a national programme, or getting verified (1 hour).

Timetable

Situation and outlook for primary industries (SOPI) For up-to-date information about the performance of New Zealand's primary sectors. Download SOPI 2016Download SOPI 2016 Download SOPI summary brochureDownload SOPI summary brochure SOPI data

Types of publications

Corporate publications available on this page are:

• annual reports
• strategic directions and statements of intent
• briefings to incoming government ministers
• situation and outlook for primary industries
• Performance Improvement Framework reports
• benchmarking reports.

Other types of publications are elsewhere on the website.

Find other publications

Updated 15 July 2016

Updated 2 May 2016