VISION INTO ACTION: Applying Animal Welfare Standards in Import Policy

New Zealand: Vision into Action: Applying Animal Welfare Standards in Import Policy, builds on the previous report, examining practical pathways to applying animal welfare standards to imported products. It focuses on supply chains for pork and egg imports, exporters’ capacity to comply with NZ standards, and trade and price implications of import welfare requirements. The report finds:

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• Exporters Are Prepared: Exporters are already producing cage-free eggs and higher-welfare pork that align with New Zealand’s domestic laws. If New Zealand implements a policy restricting imports that don’t meet domestic standards, these exporters could readily comply.

• Farmers Will Benefit: Implementing an import policy would eliminate the “double standard” faced by New Zealand farmers, potentially boosting domestic pork production by up to $29 million through regained market share.

• Modest Price Impact: The estimated additional cost for pork is about 25 cents per person per week, which represents approximately 0.22% of the average weekly household food expenses.