Federated Farmers is winning support in its call for an independent biosecurity conducts authority to examine breaches at our borders.

Labour Biosecurity spokesperson Damien O’Connor is backing the idea in the wake of three incursions in the last year.

Mr O’Connor says cuts made at border controls to speed up processing times is undermining biosecurity checks.

“I don’t think people are adversely affected too often when they come into New Zealand across the border.

"Most people understand that we need strict biosecurity, but I fear the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm for ease of access across the borders may be threatening our safety and our economy through increased incursions."

Mr O’Connor says the country can’t afford to take its biosecurity for granted.

"Officials will always reassure us they’re doing the best possible jobs, and I’m sure they are.

"The question is whether or not we have the right systems and the right funding to protect our economy from a serious biosecurity incursion.”

The Feds have won an unlikely ally in the Soil & Health Association.

Spokesperson Steffan Browning says an independent authority would give greater protection against future breaches.

It’s impossible for enough to be done in terms of biosecurity protection, the question is over the funding.

"I would prefer to see more funding going to MAF so they can do a better, more effective job.”

$1.9m was cut from MAF Biosecurity’s baseline funding in the May budget.