4184 (2024). Scott Willis to the Minister of Agriculture

4184 (2024). Scott Willis to the Minister of Agriculture: Does the Minister still stand by his statement: “Sheep farmers continue to make an invaluable contribution to our primary sector and this government is committed to celebrating and supporting that,” and if so, can the Minister ensure that MPI’s proposed budget cuts will not negatively impact Sheep farmers and their contribution to Aotearoa’s primary sector?

Hon Todd McClay: Yes. I stand by the statement: “Sheep farmers continue to make an invaluable contribution to our primary sector and this government is committed to celebrating and supporting that”. We are committed to backing sheep farming and the primary sector. MPI is not proposing any reductions to frontline services and statutory roles, such as veterinarians, animal welfare, fishery and food compliance officers, or biosecurity teams at the border. MPI is currently consulting with staff and no final decisions have been made.