OPINION: The Hound – like most in the rural sector would have – shuddered when the Green Party revealed it would like to hold the agriculture portfolio if it gets into government after the election.
The idea of a Green MP as agriculture minister got even scarier when the party unveiled its ‘agriculture policies’ earlier this month.
On top of the usual Green airy-fairy ideas such as NZ farmers being totally organic or regenerative, it also wants levies on N and S fertiliser, higher DIN levels, a ban on PKE imports, and promotion of ‘urban gardens’ and ‘community farms’!
It was no surprise to see well known farming advocates (not!) such as Greenpeace and Forest & Bird back the Green’s policies.
It reminds your old mate of that well-worn saying about politicians and elections: “Don’t vote for them as it only encourages them!”