On 25 June 2019 MPI, DairyNZ and Beef and Lamb NZ finalised an Operational Agreement under GIA that formalises the arrangements for decision making and cost sharing in the attempt to eradicate the livestock disease Mycoplasma bovis. Whilst the terms of the agreement were reached between the parties in 2018, the Operational Agreement provides the legal framework for the approach under GIA, and enables the two industry parties to make payments in respect of their contribution using biosecurity levy funds to meet their obligations in the response.

Operational Agreements are the contract like agreements made between GIA partners to facilitate the implementation of the GIA Deed through the sharing of decisions and costs for biosecurity readiness and response activities. The Mycoplasma bovis operational agreement joins existing operational agreements covering the management of biosecurity activities for Fruit Flies and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, along with sector-based agreements in place for MPI and the kiwifruit, onion, tomato, citrus, equine and forestry sectors.