B+LNZ seeks a new associate director

Wanted: the roast pork with the most

Staff reporter

RESEARCH is underway into what makes a great-tasting New Zealand-grown pork roast.

AgResearch scientists have launched a study examining how factors such as gender and pH values affect the eating quality of pork.

The research is a collaboration between NZPork, the industry organisation for commercial pig farmers, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, and Freshpork.

The study is part of an innovative eating quality project, with NZPork contributing $59,875, MPI investing $45,000 and Freshpork $4,648.

Consumer testing will enable researchers to evaluate attributes such as aroma, tenderness, juiciness, flavour and liking, and the overall perception of quality.

Consumers will also be asked how likely they would be to purchase the pork.

The NZ pork industry plans to use the study findings to develop a quality mark for pork so Kiwis can be confident they will have a consistently excellent eating experience every time they cook pork.

NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss said NZ-born and -raised pork is of the highest quality from an environmental and animal welfare perspective, but there is no verifiable programme to measure eating quality.

“The findings will give us valuable information and insights about just how much pig gender and pH factors enhance or lessen the eating experience.

“This is about the industry ensuring Kiwis can be confident about the quality of NZ-born and -raised pork.”

NZPork is also working hard to bust misconceptions about NZborn and -raised pork.

“Pork is one of the most popular proteins in the world, but some people still believe all pork is a fatty meat,” Kleiss said.

However, he said, most cuts of pork are quite lean when the easyto-remove external fat is trimmed off, just the same as you might do for other meats.

“Many New Zealanders may also be unaware of the essential nutrients in NZ pork. It is a great source of quality protein and zinc, and also provides iron, and many B vitamins.”

Freshpork NZ project manager Jason McLaren said as a processor and wholesaler of NZ-raised pork, the company is committed to continually improving the eating quality of its products.

“The most exciting part about this research is that it’s specific to the NZ pork industry, making it very relevant to us.

“This means the findings could guide future decisions about how to further improve our processes to continually provide top-quality NZ pork products that consumers can rely on,” McLaren said.

MPI director of investment programmes Steve Penno said findings about developing a consistently high-quality product will be an especially valuable part of the project.

“Better understanding of what leads to pork with attributes consumers enjoy most will help farmers raise a premium homegrown product,” Penno said.

AgResearch senior scientist Carolina Realini, who has experience in NZ and overseas researching the quality of pork and other food products, said the study will focus on consumer sensory testing with pork loin from different genders and at different pH levels.

“We’ll draw on the eating experiences of a group of consumers to gain insights into what they perceive from different treatments.

“The findings of this consumer study will then lead to independent written findings that can be drawn on by the industry,” Realini said.

This eating quality research is expected to be completed early next year.

NZPork also operates the PigCare certification label programme, which provides assurance for shoppers that the pork they are purchasing comes from pigs born and raised in NZ to high standards of welfare.

The most exciting part about this research is that it’s specific to the NZ pork industry.

Jason McLaren Freshpork NZ

CRACKLING GOOD: MPI director of investment programmes Steve Penno says a better understanding of what consumers enjoy most about a pork roast will help farmers raise a premium homegrown product.

B+LNZ seeks a fresh face around the board table

ASPIRING leaders are being urged to put themselves forward for an associate board seat at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ).

The vacancy comes as south Otago farmer Courtney Nimmo’s one-year term ends in October.

The associate director role was established by BLNZ to give aspiring leaders in the agricultural sector the chance to observe and participate in governance.

The successful candidate will join a board of six farmer-elected directors, two meat industryappointed directors and one independent director.

Chair Andrew Morrison said the role extends the knowledge and understanding of governance, its environment, the role of the BLNZ board, the legal framework and directors’ responsibilities.

“The associate director gains a lot of valuable experience, but they are also beneficial to us. We look for people who will bring a diverse view of the challenges we’re facing. They get a full voice around the table and participate in all our debates,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to see the calibre and potential of these young directors like Kate [Acland] and Courtney coming in. It’s beneficial for the whole sector in what they achieve during that one-year term and what they go on to achieve.”

Acland, who became deputy chair of the board this year after being appointed associate director in 2018, said the role enabled her to develop in several key areas.

“I couldn’t recommend this opportunity more highly,” she said.

“I was fortunate to be selected as associate director three years ago and it was a fantastic experience to enter the boardroom for the first time, engage in the governance of the sector and connect with likeminded people.

“The skills and connections I gained through my 12-month tenure set me up perfectly to serve and add value in roles at other organisations.”

Nimmo encouraged others to put themselves forward for the role and make the most of the opportunity.

“I’ve gained so much insight and value from this experience. The BLNZ board has a diverse range of stakeholders and a complete focus on ensuring the future success of the sector,” she said.

“I have had exposure to a wide range of strategic decision making and being able to observe a high functioning board that is navigating significant regulatory change has provided an incredible environment for me to learn and build confidence.

“It’s given me everything I hoped it would when I applied for the role.”

Applications via the BLNZ website close on Sunday September 11.

EXPERIENCE: South Otago farmer Courtney Nimmo’s term as associate director comes to an end in October.

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