The NZPA (New Zealand Press Assoc) reports…
21 June 2010

‘The Government today set out four themes for its proposed changes to pest management over the next 25 years.

Biosecurity Minister David Carter called for submissions on a “national plan of action” on pest management, with changes proposed for clear roles and accountabilities, improved and simplified processes, better tools and more collective work.

Pests cost the primary production nearly $1.9 billion a year — $1.15b in lost production and $719m in directly trying to prevent pest incursions and managing them once they established. There are also additional environmental, social, cultural and economic costs.

Mr Carter, releasing a discussion paper for public comment by July 23, said the Government wanted to ensure pest management strategies limited these costs.

The plan would help drive a new national policy direction to be announced next year…’

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This news story courtesy of YahooXtra News.

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