Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
The request was made at the launch of the Federation's 2014 general election manifesto.
"It is appropriate that we have launched our Manifesto, covering the 2014-17 parliamentary term, at Canterbury's Lincoln University; one of New Zealand's two land-based universities we have," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers President.
"In 2008, New Zealand's primary industries share of merchandise exports was 65%. Last year it had grown to 73%. In the same time period pastoral agriculture, which we represent, has seen its share of exports grow from 40% to 45%.
"This is why we call on the next government to increase its investment in New Zealand science by $600 million over the next three years.
"We are looking for a major investment in our collective future. It is about embracing New Zealand's future as a primary superpower. If you seeking an economic strategy then New Zealand leadership in the biggest industry on earth provides it.
"The primary industries are what we are innately good at. They represent our defining point in the world-economy. They are what we do but we are only scratching the surface of its true potential.
"Our vision is about supercharging all the support and service industries so that New Zealand takes its place as the leading country in global farming.
"There is vast scope for adding value to our exports and to make New Zealand a richer and more prosperous country.
"This demands a literate, numerate and worldly workforce completely at ease working in a connected and internationalised economy.
"If we are to deliver this world-class economy then it starts with the technologies and applications to farm better. It starts with our crops, feed and animals so that we become more than globally competitive. We truly become a global leader.
"This is what our Manifesto is about because it is about being more than we are today.
"Our Manifesto is about building a sustainable farm system giving us the collective means to go forward as a nation," Rolleston says.
