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What engagement, if any, has the Minister had with representatives of the arable sector since 1 June regarding the potential impacts of an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak and implications on feed grain demand or business continuity; and what supports for the sector, if any, are being considered?

Answered Question 35470 (2026)
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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What engagement, if any, has the Minister had with representatives of the arable sector since 1 June regarding the potential impacts of an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak and implications on feed grain demand or business continuity; and what supports for the sector, if any, are being considered?

Answered by

Mike Butterick

Member for Wairarapa · National Party · Associate Minister of Agriculture

Answer

Hon Andrew Hoggard is the lead Minister for the response to H5 bird flu, in his capacity as Minister for Biosecurity. I regularly engage with the arable sector; I am advised that, in the event of any outbreaks in poultry, impacts on sectors will be closely monitored and consideration given as to what form of support could be required.