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Source: ONE News
Sheep and beef farmers should vote in the referendum on the future of Meat & Wool NZ, Agriculture Minister David Carter says.
Meat & Wool NZ chairman Mike Petersen said the industry organisation must hold a referendum every five years under the Commodity Levies Act.
The referendum asks farmers to agree to the organisation's plans for the next five years.
The plans include research and development, skills and education, market development, information and analysis and market access, Petersen said.
It was a "crucial vote" for farmers, he said.
The referendum follows three months of consultation, including 70 meetings around the country.
Carter agreed it was an "important decision" for the future of the industry.
"With the primary sector facing an increasing number of challenges, this is a critical vote and one that farmers should not ignore.
"The most important thing now, though, is that farmers deliver a clear mandate one way or another."
Voting closes at 2pm on August 28.
