Policy for MAF’s Responses to Risk Organisms

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Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Response Statement

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will investigate all suspected risk organisms that pose emerging threats to New Zealand’s people, environment and/or economic values. We will consider urgent measures where these preserve the range of potential response options.

We will lead the response where the response has significant public benefit (e.g. foot-and-mouth disease virus).

For other risk organisms, MAF may lead or contribute to a response on a case-by-case basis taking into account:

  • whether the response provides public benefits;
  • the available resources and overall biosecurity priorities; and
  • whether third parties also contribute resources to responses that deliver both public and private benefits.

This policy defines “response” to include long-term management to mitigate the impacts of established organisms. MAF will lead national long-term management where it is best placed to do so.

Responses will aim to achieve the best overall outcome for New Zealand by minimising the impacts on the values we wish to protect of both the risk organism and the response itself.

Response decisions will be made according to the agreed decisions framework, in a timely manner, taking into account the best available scientific and other information, and recognising that uncertainty should not delay action.

Page last updated: 16 December 2008