A group campaigning for meat industry restructuring is putting together an establishment team as it shifts into the next gear.
Meat Industry Excellence says it has solid backing from farmers throughout New Zealand after meetings attended by more than 3000 people.
It has also got support of Federated Farmers and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and has briefed Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Opposition counterpart Damien O'Connor.
Chair Richard Young said Meat Industry Excellence expects to announce the appointment this week of someone to drive the next phase.
The group is also waiting to hear the outcome of talks between the big four meat companies on their ideas for a more functional and profitable meat industry.
The companies themselves say there's no guarantee they will be able to find a workable solution.
Mr Young said the meat company talks are fragile, but indications are they are working on some sort of stabilisation plan to get through the next season.
