Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
While the new Coalition Government hopes to make fast progress in its first 100 days on key commitments made during the election campaign, farmers are hoping that ministers are clear about the primary sector’s priorities.
Leaders of Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ have agreed their five key advocacy priorities over the next three months. These five priorities are all included in the coalition agreements agreed by National, ACT and NZ First.
Priority 1 is the repeal and replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM). This policy statement is a direction from David Parker to Regional Councils to set rules on farmers to meet new national bottom lines for freshwater and give effect to ‘Te Mana O Te Wai’.
Feds president Wayne Langford says a recent report has shown the new standards are unachievable even in areas of native forest or National Park.
“Plans developed so far need to implement draconian rules to come anywhere near the new standards. For example, Northland has released a draft plan that places restrictions on farming on land over 25 degrees – around 40% of the agricultural land in Northland.”
Priority 2 is establishing the Rural Regulation Review Panel.
“We want to see this up and running and working on cutting red tape and regulatory blocks for irrigation, water storage, managed aquifer recharge, flood protection and simply the day-to-day running of our farms,” notes Langford.
Priority 3 is to start the review of the unscientific methane targets. These are the targets that don’t recognise methane as a short-lived gas and, if achieved, could require a 20% reduction in sheep and beef production.
Priority 4 is to cease implementation of Significant Natural Areas, and Priority 5 is to repeal the last Government’s two resource management acts and start work on replacement legislation. A new RMA will take time to develop so it is important work starts on this right away, says Langford.
He says they are meeting regularly to discuss strategy and priorities to avoid duplication of effort and present a united front to decision makers.
“The new Government has made a range of very useful commitments. We aim to hold them to their agenda and keep them in touch with our united views on key issues,” he says.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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