Federated Farmers busts 1080 myths in its latest magazine

In the lead feature of the latest edition of the National Farming Review, currently being posted to Federation members, Federated Farmers has laid down the gauntlet to anti-1080 groups.

“1080 works but the growing mythology about it doesn’t,” says Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers.

“The article in the summer edition of the National Farming Review was independently written by ecological journalist Dave Hansford. He makes it very clear that unless we want to kiss our economy and native fauna and flora goodbye, then 1080 is the tool to use.

“Most importantly, he debunks the lies, half-truths and pseudo science used by 1080 opponents. It seems they are forced into making ever more outrageous claims, so by putting the facts forward, we have given our members the resources to counter with fact.

“I think anyone who has been into a forest where 1080 is used appreciates how quickly our native ecosystems bounce back once possums, rats, weasels and other pests are removed.

“For farming, this reduces the threat of bovine tuberculosis and the immense economic problems that come with it. By backing 1080, Federated Farmers stands together with the Department of Conservation, the Animal Health Board and Forest & Bird.

“Yet the National Farming Review is not just about asking ‘what’s your poison?’. It also has a second major feature on Horizons Regional Council’s One Plan to rule them all. Federated Farmers asks if the One Plan is an expensive bridge too far.

“The focus seems to be about one element in the periodic table, Nitrogen, when the greatest impacts on river quality seem to come from urban and industrial sources. You can’t have a sensible debate when the focus is not on the major sources of pollution.

“We’ve also interviewed all of our provincial leaders and water continues to be a big theme from drought struck Northland down to Southland where we have a surfeit. This is both in terms of water quality as well as water quantity and access, too.

“These interviews are about shaping 2010 through the eyes of our members. They give a hint to the opportunities that lay ahead for the Federation over the next 12 months,” Mr Nicolson concluded.

The following are lead articles in the summer edition of the National Farming Review:

· What’s your poison? – 1080 demystified
· License to farm
· Inside Biosecurity New Zealand
· Farm Day 2010
· 2010 and you – with 24 provincial articles