Vote Biosecurity (Agriculture and Forestry)
The output classes within Vote Biosecurity (Agriculture and Forestry) contribute to the following MAF intermediate outcomes:
- Maintained and enhanced market access for agricultural, food and forestry products and reduced market distortions resulting from trade rules and market interventions.
- Credible and trusted animal and plant product assurance.
- Balanced export and import regime covering the safety and suitability aspects of trade in animal and plant products.
- Protection of land-based and aquatic environments, primary production systems, trade, and human health and wellness from biosecurity pests.
- Reduced impacts on human health and wellness from biosecurity pests and pest management activities.
- Protection from biosecurity pests of the economic, environmental, recreational and cultural values and benefits associated with land, biological and water environments.
- Protection of Maori biologically-based economic resources.
- Protection of Maori biologically-based cultural resources.
Biosecurity Policy Advice and Co-ordination
This output class includes advice to the Minister, the Government and other departments on biosecurity issues, including animal welfare and science, as well as a number of cross-biosecurity co-ordination functions.
Policy advice includes developing and maintaining the legal framework for biosecurity, providing whole-of-government and whole-of-biosecurity comments and advice, and responding to ministerial and parliamentary correspondence.
Among the co-ordination functions are implementing the Biosecurity Strategy, refining an integrated risk management framework, developing a Māori responsiveness strategy, developing an awareness programme, facilitating a biosecurity research strategy, and reporting to the public.
This output class also includes maintaining high-level relationships with other central government agencies, regional government, industry, and communities including through various biosecurity advisory forums.
Performance Measures and results
- All policy advice will conform to the criteria set out in Schedule A of the 2004/05 Statement of Intent (SOI) to provide a whole-of-system approach to strategic biosecurity issues including animal welfare and science.
A quality assurance approach is applied consistently to the development of policy advice. It requires appropriate consultation be undertaken and for advice to be peer reviewed against specified quality criteria. Ministerial evaluations for policy were undertaken in October 2004 and April 2005 under the banner of Vote: Agriculture and Forestry. Please refer to page 60. Separate evaluations were not undertaken for policy advice for Vote Biosecurity (Agriculture and Forestry).
Performance Measures and results
- Priority work is completed as agreed or, as subsequently amended by agreement, between the Minister and the Director-General via the 2004/05 Output Plan.
The 2004/05 Output Plan was agreed by the Minister and Director-General. Quarterly reports have been made against the Plan.
The Minister has indicated satisfaction with rate of progress on work programme. Output Plan reports are available from MAF on request.
Policy advice was provided on biosecurity issues including response programmes to further detections of pests such as fall webworm and painted apple moth in Auckland, Didymosphenia in Southland and GM maize.
Policy advice was also provided on the development of a national pest management strategy for varroa and amendment to the National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Strategy. MAF participated with industry representatives as part of an Animal Identification Working Party to consider development of a national animal identification and traceability framework for livestock, which is of critical importance for emergency animal disease responses and implementation of the Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Strategy.
A number of funding projects were advanced. A discussion document on funding principles for biosecurity was released and after consultation had taken place, funding principles were agreed with Government. Funding arrangements for particular biosecurity activities are being advanced, for example, industry has been engaged in funding arrangements for the development of import health standards. MAF contributed to a whole of government process to develop policy on air passenger border clearance funding. MAF also implemented a levy on used car and container imports to fund Asian gypsy moth surveillance.
MAF has also worked with ERMA and MfE on policy options for improving the interface between the HSNO and Biosecurity Acts.
Ministerial services were provided in accordance with agreed ministerial process and Cabinet Office guidelines, and all correspondence, parliamentary questions, Official Information Act requests and Cabinet papers were produced in accordance with the requirements of the Vote Biosecurity (Agriculture and Forestry) Output Plan.
Financial Performance of Biosecurity Policy Advice and Co-ordination
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 8,571 | Revenue Crown | 8,393 | 16,027 | 13,465 |
| 26 | Revenue Other | 32 | 67 | 14 |
| 8,597 | Total Revenue | 8,425 | 16,094 | 13,479 |
| 7,959 | Total Expenses | 8,425 | 16,094 | 12,572 |
| 638 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 907 |
International Arrangements and Market Access
This output class covers international biosecurity and animal welfare negotiations and representation reflecting MAF's role as the competent authority and in supporting MFAT. This includes New Zealand's contribution to international biosecurity agreements, the international regulatory framework for biosecurity, and international forums about biosecurity, as well as reporting on New Zealand's pest and disease status as required by international agreements.
It also includes negotiating market access and challenging other countries' measures when appropriate.
Performance Measures and results
- New Zealand's interests are represented internationally at animal, plant and forest health, and animal welfare forums.
New Zealand's views and interests with respect to animal welfare and biosecurity issues were represented at 87 international meetings and conferences.
Performance Measures and results
- Market access for New Zealand's animal, plant and forest product exports is maintained and unjustifiable technical barriers to trade are actively challenged.
More than 50 short and long-term negotiations were undertaken and are ongoing with active trading partners.
Financial Performance of International Arrangements and Market Access
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 1,290 | Revenue Crown | 1,207 | 991 | 991 |
| 1,132 | Revenue Other | 1,318 | 1,209 | 1,050 |
| 2,422 | Total Revenue | 2,525 | 2,200 | 2,041 |
| 2,011 | Total Expenses | 2,525 | 2,200 | 2,090 |
| 411 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | (49) |
Accreditation and Official Assurances
MAF provides official government-to-government assurances about the pest and disease status of New Zealand's exports.
MAF also approves and accredits organisations, facilities, people and procedures to meet export standards and the requirements of importing countries.
Performance Measures and results
- MAF assurances for animal, plant and forest products meet the stated phytosanitary and zoo-sanitary requirements of the importing country.
MAF were advised of one rejection of a zoosanitary certificate. There were no other notifications of rejections by importing countries relating to assurances given for live animals, plants and forest products.
Performance Measures and results
- Export assurance systems are credible and comply with international standards.
Audits of export assurance systems met the requirements of foreign jurisdictions.
Financial Performance of Accreditation and Official Assurances
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 257 | Revenue Crown | 280 | 534 | 534 |
| 603 | Revenue Other | 747 | 700 | 783 |
| 860 | Total Revenue | 1,027 | 1,234 | 1,317 |
| 747 | Total Expenses | 1,027 | 1,234 | 1,203 |
| 113 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 114 |
Prevention of Pests and Diseases - Pre-Border and Border
This output includes MAF's activities to prevent harmful and potentially harmful organisms from arriving, establishing or causing damage in New Zealand. Primarily these involve setting the conditions, based on risk assessment, under which goods and craft can enter New Zealand (import health standards); and maintaining a border system of inspections, transitional facilities, and containment facilities.
Supporting these two main functions are additional activities such as offshore inspections, standards for treatment and quarantine facilities and surveillance around port environs, and may include direct assistance to other countries to increase their biosecurity protection where it will benefit New Zealand.
Performance Measures and results
- New high impact biosecurity pests are prevented from establishing in New Zealand.
Risk analyses and import related standards and procedures were developed to prevent the entry of high impact pests into New Zealand. No new pests on existing high impact pest lists were detected by the current active and passive surveillance programmes. One new potentially high impact pest, the alga Didymosphenia geminata was detected in Southland's Waiau-Mararoa river system and is now the subject of an investigation and control programme.
Performance Measures and results
- Technical standards and decisions integrate the full range of environmental, social, health and economic impacts, are based on sound science, and can withstand international scrutiny.
Standard operating procedures take into consideration environmental, social, health and economic values in the development of biosecurity standards and in decision making. Science underpins the standards through the application of risk analysis.
There were no formal actions initiated against New Zealand under the SPS Agreement and the WTO.
Performance Measures and results
- Border inspection, transitional facilities, and containment standards and aircraft vessel, cargo, container, passenger and mail clearances are effective and delivered in accordance with MAF Biosecurity specifications and defined performance measures.
Both Biosecurity New Zealand and the MAF Quarantine Service have standard operating procedures and audit programmes in place to detect non-compliant incidents and provide system reassurances. All service providers are expected to have a quality system as a standard Biosecurity New Zealand requirement. Exceptions are managed on a case by case basis. Post border detections, surveillance information, monitoring survey information, audits and management of non-conforming imports all contributed to improvements.
Performance Measures and results
- Pathways will be monitored for new biosecurity risks enabling the revision of import health standards to address these risks.
As a result of the formation of Biosecurity New Zealand, the establishment of the Monitoring Group was delayed. The following monitoring activities were undertaken:
- A survey of the international mail pathway.
- Ongoing monitoring of the sea container pathway and establishment of electronic profiles.
- Boroscope examination of used vehicles for non-visual contaminants.
Financial performance of Prevention of Pests and Diseases - Pre-Border and Border
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 27,403 | Revenue Crown | 33,522 | 32,337 | 32,018 |
| 17,432 | Revenue Other | 17,823 | 20,075 | 19,646 |
| 44,835 | Total Revenue | 51,345 | 52,412 | 51,664 |
| 44,091 | Total Expenses | 51,345 | 52,449 | 51,625 |
| 744 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (37) | 39 |
Surveillance for Pests and Diseases
Biosecurity requires surveillance for several purposes: determining whether organisms are already here or not; identifying organisms that have crossed the border; finding organisms that will prevent New Zealand products being exported; monitoring the effectiveness of eradication, containment, and management programmes; and determining whether certain organisms are spreading or causing damage (emerging threats).
Performance Measures and results
- Surveillance programmes are able to detect new high impact biosecurity pests early enough for a maximum range of response options, including eradication, to be available.
No new pests on current high impact pest lists were detected by the current active and passive surveillance programmes. One new potentially high impact pest, the alga Didyosphenia geminata has been detected and is now the subject of an investigation and control programme.
Performance Measures and results
- Surveillance associated with initial investigation will rapidly and accurately delimit the distribution of new pests and diseases.
Delimiting surveys were initiated for a number of exotic organisms. Insects surveyed included cycad scale, Cryptarcha nitidissima beetle, and Spilosoma moth. Fungi surveyed included white blister on broccoli, a joint Biosecurity
New Zealand/industry initiative; and Fusarium wilt of basil. Surveys were completed for broad bean wilt virus and the weed Digitaria longiflora. Delimiting surveys were also initiated for Marron and Gudgeon. Initiation of these surveys was based on known pest status, potentially limited distribution and the need to make a decision on application of official control or eradication.
Performance Measures and results
- Surveillance programmes are able to determine the distribution and impact of pests and diseases that are subject to current response actions.
New incursions of painted apple moth and fall webworm were detected in Auckland by response surveillance traps. A painted apple moth caught in the trapping grid was found to be unrelated to those from sprayed sites and most probably from Australia.
Performance Measures and results
- Official assurances for presence or absence of pests and diseases are supported by surveillance programmes that comply with international obligations and standards.
The potato wart awareness programme and subsequent treatment of infected sites sufficiently maintains the fungus under "Official Control" in New Zealand to meet international standards. New Zealand's fruit fly free status is confirmed by the National Fruit Fly Surveillance programme. Targeted surveillance for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE), apiculture, arboviruses and hydatids, and passive surveillance programmes comply with OIE recommendations. Incursions of significant pest species are communicated to the Pre-clearance Division, who inform trading partners of presence and control measures where appropriate e.g. potato wart.
Financial Performance of Surveillance for Pests and Diseases
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 14,355 | Revenue Crown | 13,440 | 13,161 | 10,072 |
| 7,471 | Revenue Other | 3,062 | 7,050 | 6,046 |
| 21,826 | Total Revenue | 16,502 | 20,211 | 16,118 |
| 17,962 | Total Expenses | 16,502 | 20,243 | 15,666 |
| 3,864 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (32) | 452 |
Control of and Response to Pests and Diseases
This output class includes initial investigations when harmful and potentially harmful organisms are detected or suspected, and contingent response capability for highest risk organisms.
It also includes: eradication, containment and management programmes for specific harmful organisms or specific pathways; co-ordination and leadership with other agencies, regional councils and industry in pest management; and monitoring genetically modified organism sites and response capability for new organisms on behalf of the ERMA.
Performance Measures and results
- Initial investigations are timely, and enable containment of new incursions while response options are evaluated and decisions made.
Twenty-four new incursions of organisms affecting plants were investigated in 2004/05. Incursions have included insects, fungi, plant viruses, a weed, new organisms and illegal importations (e.g. Pleurotus eryngii, an edible mushroom). Significant containment actions were initiated under a public awareness campaign for the aquatic algae Didymosphenia geminata while treatment options are explored. Twenty initial investigations were stood down from 2004/05 and the previous financial year after technical evaluation, consultation with the DOC and in some cases ERMA. All remaining investigations are ongoing.
Performance Measures and results
- Operational response capacity and access to expertise is sufficient to respond immediately to incursions of high impact biosecurity pests.
Response capacity for an incursion of fruit fly was tested in November 2004. System improvements were made as a result. FMD response capability was tested in the Exercise Taurus outbreak simulation. A pine pitch canker response simulation was planned but was deferred to the next financial year due to the Waiheke Island FMD hoax investigation.
Performance Measures and results
- Eradication programmes meet pre-determined eradication targets as agreed with the Government.
Asian gypsy moth and subterranean termites have been declared eradicated. Operation Cracked Kernel to minimise the likelihood of the establishment of a self sustaining population of maize containing low levels of GMO was successfully concluded. While both the painted apple moth and fall webworm programmes have met the agreed milestones, trapping events in autumn 2005 were initially viewed as set backs. The application of stable isotope technology has since shown these catches are most likely new incursions.
Performance Measures and results
- Transition to pest management is facilitated for those pests and diseases not able to be eradicated.
Handover arrangements for the first five national pest management programmes (transferring from DOC to MAF) were completed and signed off by the Ministers of Conservation, Biosecurity and Finance in time for transfer on 1 July 2005.
Performance Measures and results
- Pest management programmes are facilitated and co-ordinated at a national level.
The Bovine Tuberculosis and American Foulbrood pest management programmes were co-ordinated at a national level.
A National (South Island) varroa pest management strategy was promulgated in February 2005.
Financial Performance of Control of and Response to Pests and Diseases
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 35,159 | Revenue Crown | 13,017 | 21,844 | 21,844 |
| 111 | Revenue Other | 150 | 205 | 223 |
| 35,270 | Total Revenue | 13,167 | 22,049 | 22,067 |
| 33,339 | Total Expenses | 13,167 | 22,060 | 22,944 |
| 1,931 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (11) | (877) |
Animal Welfare
This output class covers the development, promulgation and maintenance of
science-based standards for animal welfare including ethical conduct in animal-based research, ensuring the effective discharge of statutory responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, and the provision of secretariat support to two independent ministerial advisory committees, the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).
Note the funding for this output is provided through Vote Biosecurity (Agriculture and Forestry), however, portfolio responsibility for Animal Welfare is with the Minister of Agriculture.
Performance Measures and results
- Codes of ethical conduct and ethics committees are reviewed in concert with NAEAC to ensure compliance with legal requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.
Eleven codes of ethical conduct have been approved. Eight individuals are accredited reviewers. No additional individuals were accredited during 2004/05. Ten reviews were carried out by accredited reviewers (six reviews for code expiry and four non-compliance reviews).
Performance Measures and results
- Codes of welfare which meet the legal requirements of the Animal Welfare Act are revised and developed in accordance with the three year plan agreed with NAWAC.
All six deemed codes of welfare have been re-issued under the Animal Welfare Act. Work continues on codes of welfare for commercial slaughter, dairy cattle, dogs and sea transport of livestock. Codes of welfare for cats and deer were released for public consultation. The code covering painful husbandry procedures is currently being released for public consultation.
Financial Performance of Animal Welfare
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 543 | Revenue Crown | 730 | 1,074 | 1,074 |
| - | Revenue Other | - | - | 1 |
| 543 | Total Revenue | 730 | 1,074 | 1,075 |
| 541 | Total Expenses | 730 | 1,074 | 1,062 |
| 2 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 13 |
Enforcement and Audit
This output class includes compliance checking and auditing of service providers against agreed standards as well as investigations and prosecutions of breaches of the Biosecurity Act 1993, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1997, the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and providing assistance in the enforcement of the Forests Act 1949 and the New Zealand Horticultural Export Authority Act 1987.
Performance Measures and results
- Complaints from the public about breaches and illegal activities are followed up in accordance with MAF standards.
A total of 804 animal welfare complaints and 143 breaches of the Biosecurity Act (including the Forests Act and HSNO Act) have been followed up in accordance with MAF standards. All complaints/breaches have been recorded and responded to - including education letters/advice, warning letters indicating possible future prosecutions.
Performance Measures and results
- Ensure industry and service providers comply with relevant biosecurity and animal welfare standards.
Sixteen audits have been undertaken. Critical audit finds have been followed up and actioned.
Performance Measures and results
- Prosecutions are well researched, legally sound (measured by acceptance in Courts).
Nine breaches of the Animal Welfare Act have been prosecuted successfully.
Seventy-eight breaches of the Biosecurity Act have been prosecuted successfully (including defended infringement notice offences). One breach of the HSNO Act has been prosecuted successfully. Currently 27 breaches of the Biosecurity Act and three breaches of the Forests Act are before the courts. Fourteen breaches of the Biosecurity Act are currently being prepared for prosecutions. Four breaches of the Animal Welfare Act are currently before the courts. Two Animal Welfare prosecution files are currently being prepared for court action.
Financial Performance of Enforcement and Audit
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 4,857 | Revenue Crown | 5,430 | 5,686 | 5,437 |
| - | Revenue Other | 120 | 70 | 69 |
| 4,857 | Total Revenue | 5,550 | 5,756 | 5,506 |
| 4,853 | Total Expenses | 5,550 | 5,756 | 5,393 |
| 9 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 113 |
Discretionary Services
This output class covers the use of MAF's border services on behalf of other departments and agencies. Services are funded via fees, contracts or service level agreements. These activities include:
- Inspections and interceptions of endangered species under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species on behalf of the Department of Conservation (DOC).
- Inspection of imported used vehicles on behalf of the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA).
Performance Measures and results
- Services requested are provided in a professional and cost effective manner as measured by DOC and LTSA.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DOC and MAF regarding un-manufactured CITES importations. This MoU outlines service level agreement/expectations. During 2004/05, 5,008 items were intercepted and referred to DOC for action. There is a MoU between MAF and LTSA regarding identification and reporting of damaged/rust vehicles. This covers primary assessment only. During 2004/05, 4,574 units were identified and referred to the LTSA for action.
Financial Performance of Discretionary Services
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| - | Revenue Crown | - | - | - |
| 2,560 | Revenue Other | 2,350 | 2,354 | 2,366 |
| 2,560 | Total Revenue | 2,350 | 2,354 | 2,366 |
| 1,740 | Total Expenses | 2,350 | 2,354 | 1,555 |
| 820 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 811 |
Contact for Enquiries
Strategy and Performance Group
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0738
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