Federated Farmers Warn Government Is Running Out of Time on Freshwater Reform
With six months until the election, Federated Farmers says the Government is running out of time to deliver its long-promised reform to the country's freshwater system.
OPINION: Last week's announcement by the Government that it would replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) with new legislation has raised the hopes of anti-dairying lobbyists like Greenpeace.
It wants any new law that replaces the dysfunctional RMA to protect environmental bottom lines “in a way that the RMA failed to”, and it wants any new regulation to effectively strangle dairying.
“That means stopping nitrate pollution entering freshwater from milk processing and too many cows,” says the activist group.
Conveniently, Greenpeace again turns a blind eye to the pollution caused by urban dwellers – like sewage water seeping onto beaches around Auckland, and burst pipes spewing raw sewage into Wellington harbour.
Their agenda seems less about a cleaner environment and more about being anti-farmer.
New Zealand farmers have been told they all have amazing people on their farms and have been urged to be “that one person” that can make a huge difference to those going through tough times.
OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.
The stark realities of the world trade that New Zealand is having to face have been revealed by Trade Minister Todd McClay.
New Zealand and the European Union are closer than ever.
The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals a mixed rural property market due to consistent inflation concerns.
Animal welfare improvements as well as reduced costs for dairy farmers are at the heart of a new move which could help cut back on the waste of unused vet drugs.