35470 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Associate Minister of Agriculture

Written Question

Published date: 20 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	35470 (2026)
Question asked:	06 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Hon Jo Luxton
Portfolio:	Associate Minister of Agriculture
Minister replying:	Mike Butterick
Answer received:	16 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_35470_2026
Document guid:	5f4d8f3e-b564-4826-bb60-ae03021a2ee4

35470 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What engagement, if any, has the Minister had with representatives of the arable sector since 1 June regarding the potential impacts of an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak and implications on feed grain demand or business continuity; and what supports for the sector, if any, are being considered?

Mike Butterick: Hon Andrew Hoggard is the lead Minister for the response to H5 bird flu, in his capacity as Minister for Biosecurity. I regularly engage with the arable sector; I am advised that, in the event of any outbreaks in poultry, impacts on sectors will be closely monitored and consideration given as to what form of support could be required.