Farmers keen for say in meat matters

By PHILIPPA STEVENSON

agricultural editor

Since the New Year, about 500 sheep and beef farmers a day have responded to Meat New Zealand's call to update its record of levy-payers.

More than 17,000 had taken the chance by late last week to ensure they have a say in how the $20 million they pay the board each year is spent.

The board sent more than 80,000 letters last month after the Privacy Commissioner gave it one-off access to meat-company supply lists.

The board is funded from a levy deducted at the time animals are slaughtered, and passed on by processing companies.

Without knowledge of current suppliers and by using only historical information, the board's database has become outdated, disenfranchising levy-payers not on its records. Others on the database were no longer farming.

Board spokeswoman Debbie Gee said some farmers probably believed Meat NZ had access to the company information.

The updated list would ensure all eligible levy-payers could vote in director elections and for remits, take part in referendums, as well as access information on research, farm management and markets.

She said the board had offered prizes of a farm bike, travel and a computer to encourage the return of forms by this Friday, but returns would still be sought after the date. However, they would not be eligible for the prizes.

Meanwhile, more than 50 nominations were received for two Government-appointed board positions representing women and Maori. Hemi-Rua Ruapata's term ends in March, and Gina Rudland's in 2001.

This year's appointment is likely to be known mid-February.

An election is also being held in the Eastern North Island ward, where two-term director Bruce Jans, of Hastings, is defending the seat against Waipukurau hill country farmer Ponty Von Dadelszen.