Category: Rural

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fancy a drop of “kiwi-friendly” wine or a bite of a “kiwi-friendly” kiwifruit?

Branding fruit as “kiwi-friendly” could be a future marketing tool for producers after a study showed the North Island brown kiwi foraging for bugs in Northland vineyards and orchards, scientists say.

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The study is a collaboration between Massey University and the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI).

The brown kiwi increasingly observed in orchards and vineyards and New Zealand’s goal of a predator free environment by 2050 prompted the research, according to BSI scientist Karen Mason.

“With Predator Free 2050, more of our taonga species will be moving into horticultural settings, so we wanted to look at, is that happening? And if it is happening, what are they doing? And are they providing any ecosystem services that will benefit the growers?”

Masters student Wei (Xosha) Gong spent a year conducting field work on four sites in Northland, using camera and acoustic recorders, insect traps and faecal analysis to build a picture of kiwi behaviour, diet and predator presence.

From some 14,000 videos and 1000 audio recordings, and analysis of the bird’s poo, the team were able to gain new insights into the kiwi’s behaviour and diet in horticultural landscapes.

“We did get footage of them actually eating in the orchards, both probing into the ground and taking insects from just above the ground in the ground cover,” Mason told Country Life.

Further research has shown the kiwi, with its long probing beak, were eating a variety of invertebrates including horticultural pests.

“They are consuming some very interesting ones, and where I think they can be really beneficial.

“We found that they were consuming a variety of different cicadas, the whitefringed weevil and grass grub, and all of those species spend time underground.”

Apart from marketing their fruit as “kiwi-friendly”, growers might also be able to reduce pesticide use if more kiwi were encouraged into orchards, Mason said.

“If an insect is subterranean … it’s quite difficult to control because they’re difficult to monitor, they’re difficult to locate.

“If you put sprays and chemicals down, the soil can bind some of those chemicals so it doesn’t reach the insects and a couple of these insects also have a hard casing on them, so again, that makes it harder for the chemicals to reach them.

“Also, you don’t want to broadcast a whole tonne of spray onto your soil and kill all your beneficial insects, like your worms. So I think that’s where kiwi could be very interesting and very beneficial, because they are eating these when they are subterranean, when they’re underground.”

She said one pastoral farmer no longer needed to spray or to put granules down for his grass grub now that he has a high density of kiwi nearby.

Farmers and growers could encourage more kiwi onto their land by enhancing the orchard habitat and better predator control, according to Massey’s Professor in wildlife biology Isabel Castro.

She said the brown kiwi, now numbering around 26,000, lived in a variety of settings.

“They can go into grassy areas, they absolutely love swamps, they also, of course, go into forests, but not only mature forests, but also they use scrub, and they use even very, very low vegetation, so they have no problems going into orchard areas.

“In saying that, most of the kiwi that we have observed, especially in vineyards, are close to small areas, at least, of vegetation. So if, for example, farmers will have a vineyard area and then that area is surrounded by a hedge of other vegetation, the kiwi will love that better than having a completely open area.”

Mason and Castro are excited about the prospect of farmers harnessing the habits of other birds like pīwakawaka which could eat insects in the canopy or tui whose feisty nature might scare off kākā from feasting on the orchard’s fruit.

But more research is needed.

“More different sorts of birds are going to start coming into our horticultural systems. We need to understand, how do we make them attractive? How do we keep the birds safe, and how do we keep the birds out?” Mason said.

– Video reproduced with permission

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Coubroughs know their decisions today will determine the years to come.

Brett, whose grandparents originally bought the 76-hectare dairy farm near Tirau in 1907, runs the property with his two children Tim and Linda.

Succession has been relatively straightforward for the family.

“We’re all on the same page – we want robotics to milk the cows for us,” Linda told Country Life. “And that’s always been the plan.”

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Linda said it was an “honour” coming back to the multi-generational farm, despite not initially planning to come back as a farmer, and she hopes they’re leaving it in a better way for the next generation.

“Everything you do for the land is such a longterm goal,” she said.

“Our input now is changing what’s going to happen down the line which is a whole different way of thinking. And all our different backgrounds help bring up different things and what we want from that.”

Dad Brett always planned on being a farmer but “got sidetracked” with electrical engineering, a qualification which saw him travel all around the world for various projects. It’s come in handy back on the farm too where he is chief innovator and inventor.

He said it was nice to be farming.

“It’s a different style of life.Whereas I had to deal with customers or clients and now my clients are the cows and they’re much easier to deal with.”

Like Linda, it’s also taught him the value of taking a longer view.

“We come to the conclusion that you’re actually planning for over a year ahead all the time. It’s something I’ve never really thought about.

“You’re setting yourself up for the season ahead by what you’re doing now.”

One of the ways the family has tried to prepare for their future is investing in wearable technology and automation on-farm.

“Dad’s an extraordinaire in creating things and adjusting things and automating as much as we can,” Linda said.

“Our shed, it’s push a button and it does everything.”

Automation in the cowshed includes automated drafting gates, cup removers, systems cleaning, and calf feeders.

“It’s set up now for a one person operation – we still milk with two people – but it can be done,” Brett said.

Eight years ago they also invested in AllFlex’s cow collars to help with heat cycling

“We’re quite unique in that we’re one of the few smaller herds that has cow collars on.”

The data they get from the cow collars has helped improve animal welfare and each year the technology gets better.

Some things the father and daughter still prefer to do the old-school way, like shifting stock themselves on foot or in the side-by-side.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

On a state-owned farm near Taupō, the first creamy-coloured calves of a new dairy-beef crossbreed are frolicking.

Called the Synergizer, the calves are the result of combining genetics from a Nebraskan breed developed in the 1970s, known as the Stabilizer, with that of the French Charolais from which the calves take their distinctive colouring.

It’s been a collaborative project between Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, and the farmer-owned co-operative Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) to develop a dairy-beef product that will benefit dairy farmers, calf rearers, beef finishers and processors

LIC chief executive David Chin said it was an exciting partnership with the genetics providing a long term gain and a “better animal all round”.

The breeding programme focussed on key traits including short gestation, ease of calving and rearing, strong growth and meat quality.

“What the diary farmer really looks for in beef animals, or beef bulls putting over their dairy cows, is an easily identifiable animal so the coat colour is very important,” Chin said.

“The coat colour is coming through from the Charolais. But calving easy, easy to rear, good live weight gains that’s coming through from the Stabilizer.”

Chin said the launch of Synergizer marked an important milestone in the co-operative’s dairy-beef journey.

“Backed by world-class science, robust data and rigourous progeny testing, Synergizer has been developed to deliver a reliable, profitable and sustainable option for dairy-beef systems.”

A recent Rabobank report found dairy-beef had a potential value of more than $1.2 billion each year.

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie said Synergizer was also excited about the potential of the collaborative project.

“By combining genetics expertise, farming knowledge, and a shared vision, we’re creating a solution that will deliver long-term benefits across the entire dairy-beef value chain and build resilience, productivity and sustainability for future generations of farmers.”

About 350 first-cross beef on dairy calves were born this year.

The first frozen semen inseminations will be available in limited quantities from spring next year, with more available from spring 2027.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wattie’s New Zealand is further reducing fruit and vegetable crops it sources from its home of Hawke’s Bay, citing an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports.

Growers of key crops beetroot, corn and tomatoes will be affected by its recent crop intake review.

Just last month, it announced it would reduce production of its canned peaches.

A spokesperson for the brand, owned by food giant Kraft-Heinz of the United States, said it carried out these reviews each year to respond to market demand, increased competition from imported goods and rising input costs.

“In recent years, Wattie’s has seen a reduction in demand for home-grown canned fruit products and has not been able to recover to the levels it saw prior to the cyclone,” she said.

“Our desire, of course, is for Kiwis to return to the Wattie’s locally grown favourites, but until such time as we see an increase in demand, we are forced to adjust our intake, which has impacted crops such as peaches, beetroot, tomatoes and corn.”

She said it contacted affected growers directly, many of them had been partners for years.

“We recognise this is a difficult time for them and their businesses and are committed to helping them through this transition phase.”

• Are you affected by the change? Let us know monique.steele@rnz.co.nz

The decision to reduce peach production garnered upset among New Zealand consumers online.

However, the company had already warned the government that alleged dumping of cheaper imports from countries like China into the New Zealand market would affect local production.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed it was investigating these claims after Heinz Wattie’s filed an application in July into alleged product dumping.

“MBIE is currently progressing step 1 of the [trade remedy] investigation in accordance with its standard process, with input from participating stakeholders,” it said.

It was working to compile preliminary findings, essential facts and conclusions report for the applicant by 7 November.

And the findings would be presented to the Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs for decision, by 31 January.

“MBIE is also considering a request from [Heinz Watties] for provisional measures during the course of the investigation, in line with statutory provisions.”

It followed an earlier investigation several years prior.

Anti-dumping duties on preserved peaches from China were lifted in 2017.

Newsroom reported that Stats NZ data included in the Heinz application showed Chinese peach import volumes increased from 300,000 kilograms a quarter in 2018, to a peak of just below 831,000 kilograms in the final quarter of 2024.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The overseas investment offer to rescue red meat processor Alliance Group has gotten even sweeter.

Irish company Dawn Meats has increased its proposed investment from $250 million to $270m, following stronger-than-expected year-end results from Alliance.

Dawn Meats’ proposed 65 percent stake in Alliance remained unchanged despite the higher investment.

Alliance chair Mark Wynne said as part of negotiations in July, the co-op had to commit to a year-end profit and net debt target.

The co-op’s unaudited profit projection of $18m to $24m was above target prompting the extra cash, which would be distributed through a dividend.

“So we both agreed on $250 million for 65 percent, but agreed a mechanism that said if there’s a variance in favour of Alliance, Dawn will top up.

“And if there’s a variance in favour of Dawn, in other words, we underperform on our target, then Alliance will top up Dawn.”

Over the last two weeks Alliance representatives had travelled the country talking with shareholders about the proposal.

‘Please vote’

Wynne said there had been some honest and tough conversations.

“[I’m] still pretty nervous.

“We’ve got four and a bit days so we have a special general meeting in Invercargill on Monday, on the 20th and the meeting will open at 11am, voting will close 11:45.

“And then Elections NZ and KPMG will go away and count and verify, and announce the result the following day.

“So our key message to everyone is please consider the proposal and the alternative that you see fit, vote accordingly, but the main thing is please vote.”

He said they’d been upfront about Alliance’s finances, with $188m in debt due by 19 December.

Wynne said after exploring all options over the past two years, only Dawn Meats met the scale and timing needed.

Shareholders were making a decision Wynne called a once-in-a-generation choice for farmers.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Farmers have welcomed the government’s new “science-based” biogenic methane targets for 2050.

It’s dropped the reduction target for biogenic methane from 24 to 47 percent below 2017 levels by 2050, to 14 to 24 percent – saying it reflects the findings of the independent Methane Science Review released in 2024.

Agriculture and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the government had worked closely with industry and accepted a range of advice to determine a “practical target”.

“We’ve accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree a practical target that protects food production whilst substantially reducing New Zealand’s farm emissions.”

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said the new targets were backed by science and had landed in a “solid” place.

He said the targets set under the previous government had felt “political[ly] and ideologically driven”.

“I think what’s important to understand is just how far off the last lot of targets were,” he said.

“So, 24 to 47 percent was going to put well over 20 percent of sheep and beef farms out of business, 6 or 7 percent of dairy farms. It was literally going to destroy rural communities.”

Langford also welcomed confirmation there would be no tax on agricultural emissions like methane.

“This is a major step forward and will be a huge relief for farming families who have had the threat of a massive tax hanging over our heads threatening the viability of our businesses.

“A methane tax would have achieved the opposite of its intent – forcing the closure of Kiwi farms, driving production to less efficient countries, and increasing global emissions.”

However, Langford said the changes don’t mean farmers are being let off the hook – farmers were already working hard to reduce their methane emissions and had made huge improvements in the last decade.

A dairy farmer himself, he said he had faced huge pressure from processors to improve.

However, last week Nestlé, announced it was withdrawing from an international partnership aimed at reducing dairy emissions.

Langford said this was more a reflection of the cost-of-living pressures facing consumers.

He said a growing range of technologies to better calculate and reduce emissions on farm would only help farmers further improve.

Beef and Lamb chairperson Kate Acland also welcomed the new targets which she felt better reflected the science, but said it would still be a stretch for the agriculture sector to achieve.

“The previous targets were arbitrarily based on ranges used in an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report that explicitly stated those ranges should not be used to set national targets.

“The revised targets better reflect the science around the different warming impact of short- and long-lived gases. Methane should only be asked to do what is expected of other gases, which is to achieve no additional warming.”

Acland said New Zealand’s red meat was already among the most climate-efficient in the world.

“While our sector has made significant progress on reducing warming emissions, the revised targets, particularly the upper end of the range, will still be very challenging. This is by no means letting agriculture off the hook.”

It was important to avoid stock number reductions seen in recent years, which Acland said was being driven by afforestation caused by New Zealand’s ETS settings.

She said it was important to work towards reducing methane by investing in efficiencies on-farm, genetic improvements and tools and technologies that could help farmers.

Acland said tax on agricultural methane emissions being ruled out was especially welcome news for the sector

“Emissions from our sector are already coming down – the threat of a price was draining confidence from the rural sector and was just not justified.”

Victoria University of Wellington Professor James Renwick said the government’s decision was “disappointing” as it represented a “major step backwards in ambition and in climate action”, but he was not surprised.

“The climate is currently changing rapidly and we need to be doing all we can to slow the warming and avoid catastrophic impacts from extremes and from tipping points crossed.

“Yes, carbon dioxide emission reductions are the number one target, and we must get to zero as soon as possible.

“But methane emissions are the next most important, and emissions reductions there would quickly translate into reductions in atmospheric concentrations (because of the short lifetime of methane in the atmosphere), providing a cooling effect in the short-medium term.”

Professor Renwick said the idea of ‘no additional warming’ seemed to influenced the scientific advice to Government.

“This approach goes easy on the agriculture sector and in no way does it represent our ‘highest possible ambition’ as laid out in Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, to which New Zealand is a signatory.”

He said this was likely to concern some trading partners.

Others like Canterbury University’s Associate Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry Laura Revell said biogenic methane emissions in New Zealand had “largely stabilised so far this century”.

Revell, who was part of the independent methane science review, said the group had modelled the methane cuts needed to ensure no additional warming relative to 2017 levels.

She said they found the level of cuts needed depends on global methane emissions.

“Because atmospheric methane concentrations are continuing to increase – driven largely by emissions from other countries – steeper cuts to New Zealand’s emissions alone would have little impact on total atmospheric heating.

“If the rest of the world makes steep cuts to methane emissions, then New Zealand would need to make steeper cuts too to ensure the no additional warming target is met. Periodic reviews of the target seem sensible.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Many rural communities are clearing away fallen trees, debris and repairing fences in wind battered regions, following yesterday’s storm.

Katie Wyeth, a Federated Farmers spokesperson for Wairarapa, said many farmers hadn’t even had time to clean up the damage from wind and rain earlier in the week, before yesterday’s extreme weather.

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Wyeth said the conditions created havoc.

“We lost I think at least five, and these are big old man poplar trees, big trees that came down, and one in particular that’s blocked off our main track accessway to one side of the farm, pulled up half the track and blocked a culvert,” she said.

“And then the main damage after that is just falling branches and things onto all our fence lines, particularly the waterways.

“A tree came down over a power line to our pump shed, so we’ve got no power or water to one side of that farm.”

Wyeth said falling trees killed several of their sheep.

Despite the damage and livestock deaths, she said most farmers will just roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done.

“Probably be clearing trees, I imagine. There’ll be a lot of chainsaws running red hot over the next few days, week or so,” she said.

“There might be people having to get diggers and stuff in to clean up some damage.

“Generally, most of the people, farmers I’ve spoke to, it’s fairly typical, they’ll say, oh, … we’re not too bad compared to some people, but everyone says that, right? And they just get on with starting to get it cleared up.”

Wyeth said it was one extreme to the other for different parts of the Wairarapa region – with some farmers sloshing around in mud, while others needed more rain.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Alliance Group farmer-shareholders have voted in favour of a proposed $270 million investment from Irish meat processor Dawn Meats.

Under the agreement, Dawn Meats will acquire a 65 percent stake in Alliance Group, with farmer-shareholders retaining 35 percent ownership.

More than 2600 shareholders took part in the vote, representing 92.5 million shares – more than 88 percent of all shares on issue.

Of those, more than 87 percent supported the proposal.

Alliance chair Mark Wynne said the result showed strong confidence from the company’s farmer-owners in its direction and leadership.

“Our farmer-shareholders have given a clear mandate for Alliance to move forward in partnership with Dawn Meats. This is a vote of trust in our people, our operations and our vision.”

Wynne said the partnership followed a two-year process to reset and recapitalise the business after challenging years for the meat sector.

“The Board explored every option to secure Alliance’s future. The Dawn Meats proposal stood out as the best strategic and financial path forward, a view confirmed by independent adviser Northington Partners.”

He said the investment would strengthen Alliance’s balance sheet, reduce debt, and enable greater capital investment in technology and efficiency.

Wynne had previously said the bank had made it clear the company’s $188 million in debt had to be paid back in full by the end of the year.

Around $200 million from the investment will be used to reduce the company’s short-term working capital facility, with the rest directed toward strategic projects.

Alliance planned to distribute up to $20 million in both the 2026 and 2027 financial years to farmer and shareholders through a mix of dividends and supply-based rebates, alongside a further $25 million dividend from the joint venture’s stronger-than-expected performance.

Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne said the Irish company was “pleased and excited” by the vote outcome.

“We look forward to maximising the potential of the new opportunities this strategic partnership will unlock,” he said.

“Having the ability to now grow in partnership with some of New Zealand’s leading farmers, and create a year-round supply for our customers between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, is a fantastic opportunity – and one our customers are already responding to.”

Alliance is New Zealand’s largest processor and exporter of sheep meat and a major producer of grass-fed beef, operating six plants nationwide and exporting to more than 65 countries.

Dawn Meats, established in 1980 in Ireland, is one of Europe’s largest red meat companies, processing about one million cattle and 3.5 million sheep annually through its Irish and UK facilities.

Wynne said the deal marked “a turning point” for the co-operative.

“The future looks much brighter than it did 12 months ago,” he said.

“We’re now well positioned to thrive alongside a complementary partner like Dawn Meats and deliver enduring profitability and greater value for our farmer-shareholders.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ingka Investments, the parent company of furniture giant Ikea, has bought 10,000 hectares of production forestry in Northland from Greenheart Group.

It takes the company’s investment in the country’s forestland to nearly 30,000 hectares, worth about $616 million. This includes nine existing forestry blocks planted in mostly pinus radiata, and an additional 3000ha of indigenous forest, most of which will be dedicated to biodiversity conservation and other environmental purposes.

It comes as Ikea plans to open its first New Zealand store in Auckland in December.

Forestland acquisition manager Simon Honour said its main focus was production forestry as opposed to carbon farming, and had hopes of using the timber for Ikea products.

“Obviously wood is an essential part of the Ikea identity and our ultimate goal is to get that wood into the Ikea supply chain.”

He said it would focus on domestic processing and was working to develop relationships with local sawmills and traders, though he did not rule out looking to develop their own further down the track.

Honour said most of the forestland was not eligible for carbon units.

Where blocks are registered under the Emissions Trading Scheme, or ETS, he said this helped quantify how many units are being sequestered and the carbon units are not traded.

“We have no focus on carbon whatsoever, and we have a pure timber focus.”

Overseas Investment Office figures from last year show Ingka Investments had bought about 19,200ha of farmland to turn into rotational pine forests.

Some of the more prominent sales included Huiarua Station and Matanui Station in the Gisborne region, with a combined area of just over 6000ha.

Honour acknowledged much of the land purchased by Ingka Investments since 2021 was farmland converted to forestry.

“Even from the start, if we could buy forests we would have. Unfortunately they don’t come up for sale that often.

“We wanted to get established in New Zealand and at that time, back in 2021, acquiring farms was a way to do that.”

He said there were “pros and cons” to establishing new forestry blocks.

“Creating forests from the start where you can set your riparian zones, your set back from waterways right from the start does have some benefits.”

He would not rule out purchasing future farms for conversion, but said it was not Ingka’s focus for now.

“We would much rather procure existing forests because it just fits with our values better.”

He said the strategic acquisition underscored Ingka Investments’ long-term commitment to responsible forest management, sustainable land stewardship and regional economic development.

Addressing farmer concerns about the risk of fire and pests on forestland, Honour said management plans were in place for both.

Planned restoration projects focused on indigenous reforestation, and enhancement of existing native vegetation will be complemented by ongoing pest-control programs designed to safeguard biodiversity, improve forest health, and support the long-term success of restoration efforts.

While pinus radiata will remain the dominant commercial species due to its proven performance, future replanting cycles will selectively introduce alternative species where appropriate.

This diversification strategy will strengthen ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and improve overall forest health.

The Northland forests were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and would remain so.

Honour said a commercial production forest contributed to regional employment and he hoped to grow the number of Northland jobs.

Local forestry company, Northland Forest Managers, would continue daily operations. Manager Neil Geerkens said he looked forward to the partnership.

“Together, we will maintain sustainable harvesting practices, enhance biodiversity conservation and ensure continued community access, delivering enduring environmental, social, and economic benefits for the region.”

The acquisition was subject to OIO approval, and shareholder and regulatory approvals by Greenheart Group.

Kelvin Meredith, Ingka Investments’ forestland country manager New Zealand, said it was committed to responsible forest management, including restoring natural landscapes, supporting biodiversity and collaborating with local communities to create meaningful, lasting impact.

“People value recreational access to these forests, and we’re committed to ensuring these opportunities continue.”

The Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park, located at Baylys Forest and operated by the Kaipara Cycling Club, will continue to be free to access by the public, subject to seasonal safety restrictions.

Seasonal beehives located on parts of the estate, operated in consultation with the landowner, will also remain in place to support local apiarists and contribute to biodiversity across the forest landscape.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

MPs deliberating controversial changes to pig welfare rules will have less time to scrutinise new rules.

The Animal Welfare Amendment (Regulations of Management of Pigs) Bill proposed to keep farrow crates, but gave pig farmers 10 years to adapt to slightly tougher restrictions.

The bill passed its first reading in the house with the two-week submission process closing at 5pm Thursday.

Farrowing crates -which were used to prevent a sow crushing her piglets, but were so small a sow cannot turn around -were due to be banned from December 18 under changes brought in by the previous Labour government.

The Primary Production Select Committee had originally planned to report back on the bill in February, but had now brought this forward to November 20.

In a statement, the committee said it had decided “by majority” to shorten the process to prevent a “legislative gap” when current regulations expire on December 18.

After this date the pork industry would have been at risk of prosecution if it used farrowing crates.

The Labour Party and Green Party both voted against shortening the time frame.

Greens animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel, a committee member, said it was likely the bill would have to be passed under urgency.

“This is totally avoidable. This is an example of a minister who has delayed and delayed and delayed, and now is doing the bidding of the pork industry.”

Labour Animal Welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack also had concerns about the truncated process.

“Labour consulted on changes to pig animal welfare rules in 2022 and had put in place a transition process to end the use of farrowing crates in December this year. Instead of supporting the transition process and improved animal welfare for pigs, the Minister has chosen to delay changes to standards for a further 10 years, and then, only make minor improvements to welfare standards.

“Given the significant change in approach to pig welfare from this government and the high public interest, Labour believes the Bill should go through a full select committee process to ensure proper scrutiny before final decisions are made.”

The SPCA, which had said it was left “blindsided” by the reforms after not being consulted, was also unhappy.

“There was only a two week consultation process which is incredibly short for a select committee, so we have grave concerns about this just being rushed through and purely being a tick box exercise,” SPCA chief scientific sdvisor Arnja Dale said.

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