Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand)
| Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry | |
|---|---|
| Te Manatu Ahuwhenua, Ngāherehere | |
 |
|
| Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry logo | |
| Agency overview | |
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
| Headquarters | Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington |
| Minister responsible | David Carter, Minister for Primary Industries |
| Agency executive | Wayne McNee, Director-General |
| Child agencies | Food Safety Authority Ministry of Fisheries |
| Website | |
| http://www.maf.govt.nz/ | |
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (In Māori, Te Manatu Ahuwhenua, Ngāherehere) is the [sector organisation] of New Zealand that deals with matters relating to agriculture, forestry, biosecurity, aquaculture, fisheries and food safety. It is commonly known by its acronym, "MAF".
History
In 2010, MAF merged with the NZ Food Safety Authority, and on July 1 2011 the Ministry of Fisheries also merged with MAF creating one Ministry focused on the success of the primary sectors for the benefit of all New Zealand.
Responsibilities
MAF has a vision of growing and protecting New Zealand. It also has a primary function to ensure that our exports meet agreed requirements and do not expose overseas consumers or the agricultural systems of our trading partners to biological risk.
The Ministry is the principal advisor to the New Zealand Government on agriculture and forestry, animal welfare, aquaculture, biosecurity, fisheries and food safety issues. Its focus is on maximising export opportunities and improving sector productivity, at the same time as increasing sustainable resource use and protecting New Zealand and our trading partners from biological risk.
It administers 50 Acts of Parliament. It is New Zealand’s largest regulator. MAF acts as a negotiator, a certifier, a facilitator, a funder, an enforcer, and a partner to support and enhance New Zealand’s global reputation for primary products.
Primary sector productivity
MAF co-invests alongside key industry partners in innovation designed to drive improved productivity and technological advancement in the primary sectors.
Fisheries management
MAF ensures the sustainable use of New Zealand’s fisheries resources within environmental limits, by using science, information, education and enforcement.
Aquaculture
MAF works with industry, councils, communities, iwi and government to grow New Zealand aquaculture as a sustainable export industry.
Biosecurity
MAF leads a biosecurity system that operates at New Zealand’s border and overseas to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering New Zealand. MAF finds, manages and eliminates pests if they do get in.
Food safety
MAF sets minimum regulatory requirements and works to ensure food imported into New Zealand or produced in New Zealand and exported overseas is safe.
Trade pathways
MAF sets up and enforces export assurance systems so as to be able to certify New Zealand’s agriculture and seafood products meet importing country regulatory requirements. MAF also works around the world with other New Zealand government agencies to negotiate free trade agreements, to reduce tariffs and improve bilateral trade while ensuring each country’s level of protection is better protected.
Climate change
MAF manages the implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme, and works with the primary sectors to find innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future.
Forestry
MAF manages the Crown’s forestry assets, it regulates the sector and it works with industry to increase productivity and profitability.
Horticulture
MAF over sees regulatory regimes that enable the New Zealand horticulture industry to collectively fund activities designed to improve productivity.
Access to water
MAF is helping to reform New Zealand’s the freshwater management system, and is accelerating the development of rural water infrastructure to drive productivity and economic development.
Animal Welfare
MAF sets regulations and standards to maintain and improve animal welfare, and it enforces them.
External links www.maf.govt.nz
