RMA amendments 'will be a relief to farmers'
The Government’s announcement that a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) could be introduced in Parliament next month will be a relief to farmers, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
The duo made the announcement on Bryce and Julie Stevenson’s beef farm in Wairarapa as the couple restock after eradicating Mycoplasma bovis
“I know it’s been an extremely tough time for many farmers,” Ardern said.
“Losing herds, pets and years of stock genetics built up over decades is an incredible hit to take for New Zealand’s one shot to protect our national herd and economic base.
“For those families whose farms have been cleared of Mycoplasma bovis, restocking marks an important turning point – it allows them to begin moving forward again.
“The Government remains committed to phased eradication, which is progressing well, and to helping farmers get back to business,” Ardern said.
The recovery package, rolled out by the Ministry for Primary Industries and response partners DairyNZ and Beef+LambNZ, includes:
DairyNZ and Beef+LambNZ Compensation Assistance Team
- DairyNZ and Beef + LambNZ have put together a team of rural professionals who understand both farming and the compensation process who can sit down and work with farmers on their claims. The $400,000 cost is funded through the response.
Improved compensation form and guide
- Set to be released this week, the simplified form will be easier to follow and the supporting guide will make clear what documents need to be submitted to ensure prompt payment of compensation claims.
Online milk production losses calculation tool
- An online tool for farmers to easily estimate their milk production losses, to speed up compensation claims, will shortly be released.
Rural Support Trust boos
- MPI has now completed training 80 Rural Support Trust members to provide crucial welfare support.
Regional Recovery Managers, in addition to the Acute Recovery Tea
- The Regional Centres in Invercargill, Oamaru, Ashburton and Hamilton will each have a regional recovery manager. They are being nominated and seconded by DairyNZ and Beef+LambNZ and will help farmers develop a tailor-made recovery plan.
O’Connor says the response is making good progress in its world-first eradication attempt.
