Review Of Meat Grading

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30575, 19 October 1964, Page 9

Review Of Meat Grading

A comprehensive review of meat export grades in relation to market requirements is now being carried out by a special committee appointed by the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board. The committee consists of Messrs P. W. Smallfield, a former Director-General of Agriculture, as chairman, S. D. Reeves of Gisborne, A. C. Wright of Dunsandel, and B. W. Mills (secretary). Messrs Reeves and Wright are well known sheep farmers and Mr Mills is an executive officer of the Meat Board. The terms of reference are:

(1) To inquire into and then to report to the New Zealand Meat Board on all aspects relating to the standardisation of grades throughout New Zealand. (2) To review present grade marks and weight ranges in relation to market requirements and efficiency in production and processing, with reference to: the number and importance of pre-

sent grade marks and weight ranges and their recognition and acceptance by buyers; their suitability to production under New Zealand pastoral conditions and relationship to processing, shipping and other handling costs; and to report to the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board on the eflicacy of present grading, marking, parcelling and packaging; and

(3) Make recommendations to the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board for any modifications to the present system which the committee considers would be of benefit to the over-all interests of the meat export industry. The committee is at present inviting submissions from exporters, producers and other interested parties. After consideration of submissions and studying conditions within New Zealand, the committee will visit the United Kingdom and other countries to get first-hand knowledge of marketing requirements.