Farmers Tired Of Bad Rap

Show me somewhere in the world where water quality is as good as it is in New Zealand, Federated Farmers president Charlie Pedersen said today.



“There are some bad spots, but overall New Zealand farmers have delivered the most desirable waterways in the world,” he said.



“What’s more, Federated Farmers has always said ‘we must do better’ to ensure the image that New Zealanders are proud of, and that visitors come to see, is protected.



“Water quality in New Zealand is not as good as it was before the land was farmed, but from a low point 30 or 40 years ago when rivers were used as dumping grounds by farmers, factories, and towns, a lot of progress has been made.



“The Federation cannot accept capping agriculture, as has been proposed by regional councils in Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu/Wanganui, a position supported by Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton yesterday.



“We believe farmers have a duty, where it is shown to be necessary, to use every mitigation tool available.



“Farmers cannot afford to continue farming unless productivity gains are available and achievable.



“A lot of farmland disappears under expanding cities and into biofuel production each year, which leaves less land available to produce food for a growing world population.



“The world must eat.



“The best position for New Zealand to adopt is to maintain our ‘world’s best practice’ on environment and climate change issues, and by providing great tasting and safe food, delivering a better standard of living for all New Zealanders,” Mr Pedersen said.