Pig farmers environmental stewards

New Zealand Pork today released the results of a year-long study into the environmental practices of
pig farmers.

The report, entitled “Supporting exceptional environmental stewardship in the New Zealand pork
industry”, provides case studies of nine farms representing 20 percent of industry production.

“While focusing mainly on the management of piggery manure, the research shows exceptional
commitment to maintaining and positively enhancing the environment,” says Sam McIvor, CEO of
New Zealand Pork.

“These farmers showed a high level of investment and innovation in adding value to what is an
important piggery by-product, and this investment is well beyond the requirements of their Council
consents.”

The report also draws on international and New Zealand based research to provide a better
understanding of the environmental impacts of piggeries.

“These findings, along with the case studies, provide strong evidence that the pork industry’s
environmental footprint is much smaller than often assumed. Despite this, pig farms are heavily
regulated – often at very high cost to the farmer,” says McIvor.

“We are hopeful that this report will provide a platform for holding constructive discussions with
Councils, leading to more effective environmental management, reduced costs for farmers and less
stringent regulation of farms,” says McIvor.

“In essence, this is a win-win-win situation – for the environment, for Councils and for farmers.”

For further information, please contact: Sam McIvor, CEO, New Zealand Pork, phone:
(04) 917 4754 or 029 438 8222

For a copy of the report, please contact Natasha Tunnicliffe at New Zealand Pork, (04) 917
4750 or email info@pork.co.nz.

The research was funded by the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund.