Ballance backs recovery effort

The co-op has donated $1 million to the Rural Support Trust. Shareholders can support the trust through a ‘pay it forward’ donation. Ballance shareholders can pledge a portion or all of their July rebate payment. This pledge will go directly to the Rural Support Trust.

Ballance chief executive Mary Wynne says its comprehensive support package is designed to be pan-sector, a national relief fund to reach the areas of greatest need through-out New Zealand.

“As an organisation we felt compelled to help rural communities recover from the impact that these devastating weather events have had on land, animals and people,” says Wynne.

“There is no doubt that pastures and crops have been damaged through slips, flooding and drought, and that’s where we can help, with re-grassing, re-planting and re-building. We will work with customers to make sure the right products are available for each specific farm or orchard’s soil health needs.

“Ballance was formed by farmers and growers to maintain a reliable and affordable source of appropriate nutrients. By coming together, we can use the collective strength of the co-operative to support farmers, growers and their families,” says Wynne.

He points out that from cyclones and weather bombs in the North Island to droughts in the South Island, the rural communities have had a tough start to 2023.

After Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged parts of the North Island, Ballance’s Super Air teams responded immediately checking on farmers and growers and dropping off supplies.

Wynne says in some cases the Super Air pilot was the first person they had seen or heard from in days.

“We will continue to serve the communities that are cut off with a focus on food and animal health products for as long as needed.

“As a farmer and grower co-operative we are also looking further ahead to the support that will be needed over the coming months and possibly years. Recovery from extreme weather events takes time and has an impact on families, livestock, businesses and personal wellbeing.

“That is why we have established a comprehensive weather relief response that includes a $1 million donation to the Rural Support Trust,” says Wynne.

Ballance will work with the Rural Support Trust, a national organisation run by a team of 350 people – rural people supporting rural people. The trust has the reach and services to help with the recovery journey, walking alongside people in need providing mental health and practical support as they go through the clean-up and rebuilding phases.

“We are very grateful for the understanding and support that has come from our own community, every dollar donated will be used to help the primary sector’s recovery efforts.

“This very generous donation from Ballance will go a long way to help ease the pressure on rural communities,” says Neil Bateup, chair of the Rural Support Trust.

“It will be at least a year, if not longer, before farmers and growers fully recover from the impacts of the cyclone, flooding and droughts. The North and South Islands have experienced very different weather events, both very challenging from a wellbeing and business perspective.”

Rural Support Trust has set up a Givealittle page and is encouraging people to donate money, not goods to help farmers and growers.