The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (In Māori, Te Manatu Ahuwhenua, Ngaherehere) is the state sector organisation of New Zealand which deals with matters relating to agriculture, forestry and biosecurity. It is commonly known by its acronym, "MAF". The Minister responsible for it is the Hon. Jim Anderton, as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Biosecurity.
History
The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was formerly known as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, but in 1995 responsibilities for fisheries were passed to the newly-formed Ministry of Fisheries. However, the government of New Zealand decided that, despite the loss of Fisheries, the newly created Ministry of Agriculture should continue to be known by the acronym "MAF", and should still use the same logo, because of the high recognition and regard for the name and logo amongst the country's overseas trading partners. In 1998, this Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Forestry merged to become the present Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Responsibilities
The ministry is responsible for biosecurity, managing New Zealand's state forests, supporting rural communities, ensuring food safety, ensuring the humane and responsible use of animals, and helping win access to overseas markets for New Zealand products. It also works to promote sustainability in the New Zealand rural sector, and to manage land, water and irrigation in rural New Zealand. The Ministry does not have control of the New Zealand Customs Service, but does operate a separate border agency - the New Zealand Quarantine Service.
