Monday, July 29, 2019
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THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
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Farmers are being encouraged to make submissions on the agricultural emissions action plan.
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PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN
New targets add pressure By Linda Clarke
linda.c@theguardian.co.nz
Mid Canterbury farmers are under pressure from a tidal wave of legislation, says Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president David Clark. Farmers last week spoke out about unrealistic methane targets under Government proposals to make agriculture pay for its greenhouse gas emissions; the district is also the most heavily affected by the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis and Environment Canterbury has begun a review of
water consents connected to the Ashburton River that will see more days on restriction. Government has also signalled that new national rules on freshwater management are coming in August. Clark said Mid Canterbury farmers had a lot on their plates. “There is a lot going on and farmers are rightfully under pressure, and it is quite unjustified. Talk to your neighbours, talk to your family, keep your chin up … you are the best in the world.”
Clark was among the 120 farmers who attended an agricultural emissions information session in Ashburton last week, as part of Government’s consultation on proposed climate change action. He said farmers raised valid concerns at the meeting and they needed to follow that with submissions so decision-makers could see how the cost of reducing emissions and paying for them would affect their businesses. “All farmers need to submit and if you have an income based on the agricultural
economy, then you should pay attention to this too.” He said New Zealand farmers were the most resource-efficient producers in the world and were stellar performers for the nation’s economy, doubling food production since 1990. “But now we are politically expendable.”
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