Dairy Herd Consultation Underway
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has today announced consultation on the future direction of the dairy herd
improvement industry.
“The government’s main objective is to ensure New Zealand’s dairy industry can benefit from genetic gain in the national
dairy herd. This objective supports the National Breeding Objective to identify animals whose progeny will be the most
efficient converters of feed into farmer profit, says Marianne Lukkien, Acting Director Sector Policy.
“To achieve this we need to ensure the Dairy Core Database is fit for purpose, services are accessible at competitive
prices and above all farmer’s interests are protected.
“The dairy industry is preparing for the transfer of the Dairy Core Database from Livestock Improvement Corporation
(LIC) to DairyNZ.
“LIC has asked MPI to consider removing the legislative requirements imposed on it that will be unaffected by the
transfer. These requirements relate to herd testing provision and pricing, and LIC’s corporate form and constitutional
change.
“We recognise there is a need to ensure regulation is fit for purpose for the future direction of the industry. This is
an opportunity for LIC, farmers and other stakeholders to identify issues relating to these requirements on LIC.
“This process will help Government decide whether it is appropriate to continue to regulate Livestock Improvement
Corporation after the transfer of the Dairy Core database to DairyNZ,” says Ms Lukkien.
Consultation closes on 5pm Friday 23 May 2014. Further information can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries
website: www.mpi.govt.nz
Ends