New Report: Applying NZ animal welfare standards to imports is politically and economically viable

Building on the previous report that uncovered the significant share of animal product imports that are produced using methods that would be illegal in New Zealand, Animal Policy International has released a new publication 'Vision into Action: Applying Animal Welfare Standards in Import Policy', which examines the feasibility and economic implications of New Zealand aligning its import standards with its domestic animal welfare laws.

The report moves beyond the moral case for a fair imports policy and focuses on its practical implications on supply chains for pork and egg importers, international trade and economics.

Key findings:

• Exporters already produce far more higher-welfare pork and cage-free eggs that meet New Zealand’s animal welfare standards than needed to supply its entire market. If New Zealand implemented a policy restricting imports that don’t meet its domestic standards, these exporters could readily comply.

• Implementing an imports policy would eliminate the “double standard” faced by New Zealand farmers. This change could boost domestic pork production by 3.18%-5.36%, a growth of 8.4%-14.1% in the size of the industry, increasing output by up to $29 million through regained market share.

• The estimated additional cost for pork under this policy is modest - just 25 cents per person per week, representing about 0.22% of the average weekly household food expenses. New Zealand consumers already indicate a willingness to pay 19% more for higher welfare products - far exceeding the modelled impact of the policy.

• Historical cases of welfare-based import restrictions showed no evidence of retaliation. These include EU Slaughter Regulation, California’s Proposition 12, and bans on foie gras and fur imports from various countries. Analysis of export value from these countries to their main trading partners showed no significant change after these policies were implemented. Exports continued to grow as they had done previously.

New Zealand accounts for less than 2% of exporters’ total pork production

The report shows that New Zealand can - and should - only import pork and eggs that meet our own animal welfare standards.

New Zealand must introduce legislation requiring imported animal products to meet the same welfare standards applied domestically. It is clear that doing so is feasible and carries limited economic and political risk while delivering significant gains for consumers, domestic producers and the animals.

By applying a consistent standard to all animal products sold in the country, 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.

"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."

Read the full report.

Read the media release.