Federated Farmers debate with Government over TB testing

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 11

Federated Farmers debate with Government over TB testing

The continuing debate over TB testing and compensation to farmers was discussed at a recent meeting of the Southern King Country Sub Provincial Branch of Federated Farmers. Mr Jim Holmes, provincial chairman of the meat and Wool Section, was a member of a delegation which presented a detailed case against the government proposal to decrease the compensation from the present 95% of market value down to 40% for the first five reactors and all others at 95%. This would enable a 48% cost recovery from farmers. In his report, Mr Holmes said the delegation had been successful in that the Government had agreed not to change the levy or compensation until March 31st 1988. But he expressed concern that this was the first of many difficult issues that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of Government, farmers and MAFQual on the whole TB question. Presently farmers contribute 35% or $11.3 million to the overall TB programme. However, under the Government user pays principle this was to be increased to 66.5% in the next three years. Mr Holmes said there could be substantial cuts made by MAFQual in administration and more accountability of existing resources before the need to further increase the levies or reduce the compensation. Local farmers attitudes to the TB programme has generally been positive, acknowledging the need to control the disease, but there does need to be some hard talking by all parties if the existing programme is to continue and be supported.

In a telephone poll on the 22 June 1987, the following points were made by local farmers: • National responsibility for the country's benefit. • Three-four reactors per test but never had any when killing at freezing works. • 70-80% of animals that react to tests go clean in the works which questions the validity of the present test. • Concern that the eradication programme is not reducing reactors. • Substantial unrecognised costs in preparing cattle for testing. • TB cows and deer still breed. • 46% of land area in country is unoccupied Crown and Maori land which is one of the main habitats of the opossum. • Discounting of stock in the saleyards. • Poor follow up procedures. • Compensation should be 100%. • Will only test if it is compulsory. A senior livestock officer in Taumarunui said that all the goodwill and co-opera-tion with farmers that has developed in the last few

years may be destroyed along with the good work achieved in controlling the disease, if the proposal is accepted. A drop from 227 to 199 herds on movement control is evidence that. the programme is successful. He also expressed concern that farmers may refuse to test cattle or use delaying tactics as happened in 1982/83 when compensation was reduced to 75%. Local MAF staff were surprised at the secrecy surrounding the MAFQual proposals and the effect the decision will have on the overall programme. The National Health Committee will again meet in September to attempt to address the whole TB problem.