The future of the meat industry is via an ocean abattoir en-route to destination. Recently, there has been very little publication on this subject.
The response has been varied and few could think beyond the present.
But, with Chinese finance of 49 per cent and 51 per cent NZ farmers' shareholding from the bonus above the schedule, plus other finance, the future is here.
All of meetings and talk of farming groups to solve the meat industries problems have produced nil. Consequently, the farmers will get nowhere.
Why haven't the farmer groups acquired true profit and loss returns from the meat processing industries?
Likewise, for wool and skins? What can be done to make livestock farming viable?
An ocean abattoir will:
1. Supply fresh, chilled, tasty meats to overseas markets processed to their requirements, and with no added chemicals.
Waste products can be turned into fertiliser. Wool and Skins can be exported to processors.
2. Through huge savings, the company would pay higher net returns to farmers (20-plus per cent), and skilled NZ staff.
3. Save capital cost of NZ land and buildings, unlike existing works for domestic market and frozen exports.
4. With processing commencing outside a 12-mile limit of its first port, and repeated at other ports, it will have less stock food requirements on-board.
And how can this happen?
1. A NZ Company with farmer/business 51 per cent support purchase a suitable ship. There are many for sale overseas. For example, a vessel sizing 30,000-45,000 tonne with self-docking and sea stabilisers, multi-deck, air- con, water and waste capacity, like on ferry or passenger ships, at a cost of $20 million-$30 million?
Otherwise convert stock carrier or basic cargo boat.
2. Conversion work in NZ or overseas.
3. Register ship and company in tax free country. Therefore, no taxation on profits. No GST. Shareholders would be able to receive tax-free returns.
4. Employees, 50 per cent skilled NZers, working on-board six months or more, are not taxed.
5. Ship and employees could work in other countries in Northern Hemisphere in NZ's off-season, or Australia.
6. No containers costs required for export meats. Shore cranes not required. No space cost required for empty containers. Many more ports available.
7. Fewer containers travel on our roads.
8. Some return freight can be brought back to NZ - for example, cars.
Who is interested? Who has the true facts?

D Blackley, Te Puke.