Friday, 26 February 2016 12:28

Minister should ‘stand up for farmers’

Written by 
Damien O'Connor. Damien O'Connor.

The Primary Industries Minister needs to stand up for farmers during tough times rather than rolling over for banks.

So says Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor.

"Nathan Guy warned the Government wouldn't be bailing out farmers who can't pay their bills following the collapse in the dairy price," O'Connor says.

"The minister needs to show some leadership to the dairy industry, not just speak nicely about banks. The banks can explain their own actions.

"The absence of a strategic plan or direction for the sector – encouraged by taxpayer handouts through Primary Growth Partnerships – has led many farmers down a pathway to high debt and high costs.

"The collapse of the milk price has left 80% of farmers in a cash deficit while their returns continue to fall.

"New Zealand is no longer the lowest cost producer of milk or milk products. Our farmers need leadership that offers them a viable and sustainable business model so they remain in the industry.

"Facts and honest analysis of the international marketplace – not hype and hope from Nathan Guy and John Key – is desperately needed by a dairy farming sector reeling from widespread."

More like this

Honey industry group set to merge

A big shakeup in the honey sector is about to take place with the news that the industry good body, ApiNZ, and the export focused Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association are looking to merge to form a new industry body.

Featured

Farmstrong marks 10 years of rural support

Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.

National

Machinery & Products

Farming smarter with technology

The National Fieldays is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

110,000 visitors!

OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.

Sticky situation

OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter