Fair Imports Could Unlock $29 Million for NZ Farmers
- Romy Gelber
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Overseas exporters are already ready to meet animal welfare standards; change would support farmers, reflect public values, with modest cost to 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 $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.
Key findings include:
Farmers gain: It would remove the “double standard” facing producers and could increase domestic pork output by up to $29 million through regained market share.
Fairness: Applying the same rules to imports makes it easier for New Zealand farmers to transition to higher‑welfare systems such as eliminating farrowing crates as they are then competing on a level playing field
Modest price impact: The estimated additional cost for pork is ~25c per person per week (about 0.22% of average weekly household food costs).
Exporters already ready: Major current exporters to New Zealand are already producing cage‑free eggs and higher‑welfare pork and can meet New Zealand’s standards.
New Zealand can move with global leaders: By setting a consistent standard, New Zealand can be in step with major markets like the EU and some US states who are already moving to apply welfare standards to imports, strengthening our international reputation as a responsible trading nation.
Strong public support: A law on imports would ensure our nation’s animal‑welfare commitments are meaningful and not merely symbolic. Polling shows more than 80% of New Zealanders support requiring imports to meet domestic animal welfare standards.
"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% 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% 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."
