INDEPENDENT NEWS

Supporting forest health

Published: Mon 28 Feb 2005 05:02 PM
28 February 2005
Supporting forest health
The government supports the forest industry through funding research, responding to pest incursion while the industry have a key role in pest surveillance and detection.
Minister of Forestry, Jim Anderton spoke to the Forest Owners Association/Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry fourth Annual Forest Health Workshop, in Rotorua earlier today.
"I want to begin by stating I’m delighted to have the forestry portfolio. The sector has enormous potential for New Zealand, our export earnings, our employment levels and the incomes of New Zealanders.
"The key to unlocking increased value will be our success in growing our productivity and to compete in higher value markets. The government has a huge contribution to make to the success of the industry. Government involvement is crucial to many areas, including training, infrastructure, energy, science and trade promotion.
"Our handling of biosecurity is of rising importance to the sector. The Government has recently given high priority to improving the overall biosecurity system. It’s important not only for its immense economic impact but also in safeguarding the health and outdoor opportunities available to New Zealanders.
"In 2003 the Biosecurity Strategy noted our biosecurity system was well-developed overall," Jim Anderton said.
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media