Southland, Otago farmers' feedback sought on GIA

Steve Wilkins

Arable farmers in Southland and Otago have been asked to provide feedback on whether the industry should sign up to the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA).

Foundation for Arable Research's (Far) Southland-South Otago regional research committee chairman Steve Wilkins said one of the first meetings in the consultation round was held in Gore recently.

About 12 members attended.

Mr Wilkins said the industry needed to consult with its members before becoming a signatory, which it was doing through a series of meetings throughout the country.

''If it goes ahead, it is hoped to do so before Christmas or it might be early next year,'' Mr Wilkins said.

''It has been on the agenda as long as I have been involved in Far, which is about about five years,'' he said.

''We are trying to get it right.''

An incorporated society called the Seed and Grain Readiness and Response (SGRR) has been formed and has representatives from Far, Federated Farmers Arable, the Flour Millers Association, New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association and United Wheat Growers as directors.

Its role is to work with the Government and other sector groups to manage biosecurity.

If SGRR becomes a GIA signatory, it will be involved in improving biosecurity readiness to deal with incursions but it will also be liable for half of the estimated industry's readiness costs of about $40,000 a year.

It will also have a say in any decision-making around incursion responses but will also be liable for up to half of the industry's response costs.

That will be funded by an up to 1% biosecurity levy, which will be used to repay those costs over 10 years.

''Even if nothing happens, there is going to be a small cost, to upskill and keep processes relevant,'' he said.

''We are already doing it in a roundabout way.''

He said there had been three major grain incursions in the past few years, including velvetleaf, blackgrass and Chilean Needle Grass.

At present, the Government ''foots a lot of the bill'' for any incursions, he said.

One of the key factors in being a signatory was the industry would be working with the Government right from the start of any incursion.

''It will give us a conduit to provide the necessary framework if we do have an incursion, and we would have a process in place,'' he said.

Further details and the FAQs about the GIA can be found on Far's website.

Southern Rural Life