The Prime Minister appears to support the call from farmer lob
by groups to change the way primary industries are governed at the top level.
Federated Farmers called for a specialist ‘Ministry for Primary Industries’ at their national council last November.
The move would effectively create a ‘super ministry’ responsible for governing all primary producers, and most importantly, involving aquaculture in the mix.
Prime Minister John Key says the they’re certainly open to the possibility of simplifying management of the primary sector, although the idea is only in the initial stages.
Mr Key says a proposal would have to provide solid evidence that the new system would save money and be more efficient than the current one.
Fed’s President Don Nicolson says he’s encouraged by the Prime Minister’s words, and hopes they investigate the possibilities seriously.
"Well it came out of left field but I feel very heartened because in 2008 i asked Jim Anderton if he could consider a ministry for food, or food production and things like that.
"The prime minister bringing it to the fore front this week has been useful."
Both Feds and the Government highlighted the importance of aquaculture in shaping the future of food production.
