Sector must not miss another chance to promote its ‘very good systems’.

Former Trade Minister Damien O’Connor hopes New Zealand farmers do not miss another opportunity by failing to adopt integrated farm plans to ensure they continue to access the best-paying markets.

O’Connor believes the dairy industry missed the opportunity to capture the benefits of A2 milk, and the sheep and beef sector is making up for lost time after being slow to use the pasture-based attributes of red meat.

Global manufacturers such as Nestlé, Mars and McDonald’s increasingly require animal protein and fibre suppliers to show they are serious about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and animal welfare.

“There are very good systems we have in place that need to be promoted, as well as areas where we may need to improve to meet the concerns of consumers and the legal obligations of our customers,” he said.

From his time as trade minister, O’Connor said these concerns and expectations are real, but NZ exporters are starting from an advantageous position, with our farming systems used to promote our products.

“I believe we could turn this necessary verification into positive promotion.

“We are in a good position.”

Production verification systems are available but O’Connor questions whether they will satisfy all customer requirements.

As minister he advocated the establishment of integrated farm plans to verify production systems to meet the needs of processors, OSPRI, regional and district councils and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

He was stymied by what he called patch protection over the use of data and information technology issues.

“It’s not an easy task but one worth pursuing and done in a co-ordinated way rather than the piecemeal way it is being done now.”

There are currently small premiums being offered for some low-carbon products, but he said having those credentials also gives access to premium markets.

He believes premiums will become more common as producers are acknowledged as meeting consumer expectations.

O’Connor called for leadership to ensure NZ protein producers are at the front of the pack on this issue, but also to identify opportunities and to promote them to producers.

“We can be leaders in the market or laggards in the market. It’s up to the strategic direction of leaders and companies.”

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