The Primary Production Department (PPD) under the Ministry of National Development (MND) will be restructured into a statutory board � the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). The new statutory board is targeted to be formed by 1 April 2000.

Mr Mah Bow Tan, the Minister for National Development, introduced the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority Bill at the Parliament sitting on 21 Feb 2000. The Bill seeks to establish the statutory board, provide for its functions and powers, and make consequential amendments to the relevant legislation.

Once established, the AVA will replace PPD as the authority responsible for :

1. Regulating the safety of primary foods (meat, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables);
2. Promoting and regulating animal and plant health;
3. Developing the agri-industry; and
4. Promoting and regulating animal welfare.

AVA will continue to carry out the functions of PPD. There will be no disruption or change to its service standards.

All 710 PPD officers will be transferred to the new statutory board.

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

22 FEBRUARY 2000