A new report has found that fairer imports could unlock up to NZD 29 million for New Zealand farmers, according to Animal Policy International.
Overseas exporters are already ready to meet animal welfare standards; change would support farmers, reflect public values, with modest cost to the consumer.
A new report released by Animal Policy International finds that a policy change requiring imports to match domestic animal welfare standards could potentially boost the domestic pig industry by up to NZD 29 million, while adding only 25c per person per week to household food costs.
The report, published at Parliament, examines the feasibility and economic implications of New Zealand aligning its import standards with local animal welfare standards, on the back of a previous report that highlighted the issue.
"We’ve long argued that if it’s too cruel to produce in New Zealand, then it’s too cruel to import. This report shows that implementing import standards aligned with New Zealand's animal welfare commitments is not only the right thing to do, but also makes sound economic sense," said Mandy Carter, Co-Executive Director, Animal Policy International.
"Domestic farmers stand to benefit, while consumers will see minimal impact on their weekly grocery bills. Right now, the Government is being urged to totally ban farrowing crates - doing an import policy like this can make this more practical by levelling the playing field."
Approximately 60 percent of the pork consumed in New Zealand is imported, mainly from countries like Canada, the United States and some European countries that allow the use of sow stalls and farrowing crates. New Zealand banned sow stalls in 2016 after a public outcry. New Zealand's ban on battery cages came into force in 2023, yet over 50 percent of liquid egg imports in 2023 came from Australia and China, where hens can be kept in battery cages.
In May, Green MP Steve Abel introduced the Animal Products (Closing the Welfare Gap) Amendment Bill, supported by a petition with over 11,000 signatures, demanding that imported animal products meet local welfare standards.
"The EU is already moving towards applying its standards to imports. By taking this pragmatic step, New Zealand has the opportunity to support its farmers and solidify its position as a global leader in animal welfare," added Carter.
"The evidence clearly shows that this policy change is a win-win for all stakeholders."
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