Opposition MP says Greens thwarting new food authority

WELLINGTON - An Opposition MP says the establishment of a new food authority under the auspices of the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is being thwarted by the Green Party.

National Agriculture Spokesman Gavan Herlihy claimed the legislation was being "torpedoed" by the Green Party, but the Greens said the legislation deadline was on track.

The Government announced plans for a new food safety system, with exports handled by MAF, and local food concerns to be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.

However, the whole system would be under the jurisdiction of MAF.

The new organisation was to be running by July 1, but Mr Herlihy said the Greens were putting the plan in jeopardy because they wanted an organisation separate from MAF control.

"... the Greens are now demanding a stand-alone organisation -- reneging on their earlier support for the food safety authority and putting at risk the internationally recognised and accepted MAF brand," Mr Herlihy said in a statement.

"It's unacceptable that our food export sector -- New Zealand's number one industry -- should be held to ransom by political grandstanding and headline-grabbing antics from the Greens."

Greens health spokeswoman Sue Kedgley agreed they wanted an organisation separate from MAF, but said the party was not holding up the legislation.

"We would like to see a stand-alone agency, rather than one that is within MAF, we've always made that clear and we will be moving amendments to that effect when the legislation arrives in Parliament, but we are certainly not holding up the legislation," she told NZPA.

"We have been expecting this legislation and we're very aware of the timetable.

"We're as keen as anybody else to see the food safety agency set up. We think it's an absolute urgent priority and certainly one of ours. We certainly wouldn't be holding it up."

The reasoning for having an independent organisation was to ensure consumer confidence in food safety, without MAF as a Government agency being involved.

"Consumers all over the world have lost confidence in the impartiality and ability of governments to ensure food safety. Elsewhere they have set up independent agencies to restore confidence," Ms Kedgley said.

Mr Herlihy also claimed the Government was stalling on implementing new legislation that provides exporters with the all-clear from MAF.

The Animal Products Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament several weeks ago, but has yet to have its first reading.

"It (the Government) can find plenty of time to progress its social agenda by pushing through paid parental leave, but won't find a slot for legislation that ensures the security and integrity of our export-earning sector," he said.

The Meat Industry Association was becoming concerned that companies exporting meat to overseas markets might not have MAF certification on time, Mr Herlihy said.

The legislation was needed to extend the time available for meat exporters to lodge risk management programmes with MAF.

- NZPA