Sutton warns pork farmers to listen

Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton backed pig welfare yesterday, saying the pork industry ignored consumer concerns at its peril.

"Consumers increasingly want to know what animals their meat came from and that those animals were well-treated before they were killed. To me, this seems to be a market crying out for product differentiation," he told the Pork Industry Board.

His office received more letters about the pork industry's animal management practices than any other subject, many from people who said they no longer ate pork.

"Those letters are a danger sign for your industry. You cannot rely on a market only of people who ignore such concerns."

Mr Sutton said the Green Party's campaign, which he had criticised in the past, against the use of dry sow stalls had struck a chord with many New Zealanders.

The industry, struggling against pork imports, was reliant on consumers buying its products, and animal welfare issues were critical.

"The top-end of the market, which is the most lucrative, is extremely sensitive to animal welfare concerns and if you want them to buy your meat, you need to make sure you're using the most modern, enlightened animal management techniques," Mr Sutton said.

A petition is before Parliament seeking a ban on the dry sow stalls. The industry has said that less than half of all New Zealand pork producers use the system.

- NZPA