Jeremy Rockliff MP
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Thursday 10 June, 2010
Sow Stalls: Support for local producers essential
The announcement by Primary Industries Minister Bryan Green today that the Labor-Green Government will bring forward restrictions on pig producers three years earlier than a national agreement will have implications for the industry which the Government must address to help the industry manage the consequences of this decision.
I am very concerned that there has been no consultation with the local pig industry as to these earlier than expected changes.
The national approach will come into effect in 2017, but the Tasmanian Government has chosen to apply it three years earlier, from 2014.
The number one issue for producers is the financial impact this move will have on their operations as they would have no doubt aligned their business plans to the national agreement.
The minister must immediately detail a package for compensation or adjustment concessions for producers so they can manage the accelerated changes.
I am also calling on the government for market and branding assistance for our local pig industry.
It is simply not good enough for Mr Green to limply ask consumers to buy Tasmanian pork.
Given the sudden change with no consultation with farmers, what is needed is assistance for the Tasmanian pig industry to differentiate its product in the market place and capitalise on the quality brand grown in conditions with the highest welfare standards in Australia.
Jeremy Rockliff MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water
