Kevin Forward says further consideration of submissions received on proposed Nait levy increases shows a commitment to engage with levy payers.
A plan to increase Nait levies has been put on hold to allow a more comprehensive review of feedback on the proposal.
In 2012 the Nait tag levy was $1.10, which was reduced to $0.90 in 2014. The slaughter levy was $1.35, which was reduced to $0.50 per head.
The proposal was to increase the tag levy to $1.35 and the slaughter levy to $1.77 to help Ospri deliver on commitments to create a user-friendly and effective system.
Just under 150 submissions on planned increases were received from levy payers, collection agents and primary sector groups after a five-week consultation process that closed on February 25.
Based on the submissions received, the Nait board has decided to defer its decision on levy increases until May 19.
Ospri head of traceability Kevin Forward, whose team is responsible for setting the direction of the livestock traceability programme, said the purpose of the consultation was to hear and consider feedback from levy payers before making any decisions.
“Based on feedback, the Nait board has decided to defer the decision on increasing levies to further consider the submissions received,” Forward said.
“I believe this shows our commitment to genuinely engage with levy payers on the proposal.”
To ensure funding levels remain at an appropriate level, the plan is for Nait levies to be reviewed at three-yearly intervals.
