The beef and lamb industry, is at risk of being an "insignificant player" in New Zealand's economic recovery, according to the country’s biggest rural lender ANZ Bank.
ANZ's managing director of commercial and agri Graham Turley said business that developed NZ primary products into desirable products were "the new stars of the economy".
Among all this, the beef and lamb sector - "one of the historical foundation stones of the New Zealand economy" - was stuck in its ways "and won’t benefit unless bold action is taken”.
Turley has been a strong advocate of change in the red meat sector and has said that attitudes need to change.
"Beef and lamb exports have been an important foundation stone in New Zealand’s economic development. But the fractured nature of the industry, with its poor planning, means it’s now at risk of missing out in the country’s economic recovery."
The third annual Red Meat Sector Conference, which starts on Sunday at Auckland's Langham Hotel and runs through Monday, came at a critical moment in the industry’s history, Turley said.
"The dairy industry has done really well in recent years as a result of investments across the whole supply chain and the red meat sector needs similar attention.
“Top of the agenda for all participants at the conference should be how to inject new thinking and new leadership into the industry.”
The conference is jointly hosted by the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand Inc and Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd. ANZ is the principal sponsor.
Turley said that among the key challenges for the industry were reversing the trend of decreasing supply of lambs, lowering production costs, and increasing profit. This would require reinvestment across the whole industry, integration of the supply chain so farmers are rewarded for supply of the right product at the right time.
"It’s crucial that farmers make a commitment to the supply chain so that the marketers and processors can invest in efficient processing and new markets with confidence to enable higher returns.
"Fortunately, there is increasing recognition of the need for a new industry model integrating the supply chain.”
Turley said the conference would be a great opportunity for the entire sector to meet, network and address the fundamental issues facing the industry.
"I have enormous confidence that red meat will be a key part of New Zealand’s economic future, but a lot of brave decisions and hard work must happen first."
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.