Hear the voice of farmers
OPINION: As a food-growing nation, few would argue that much of New Zealand's future economy lies in the growth of our food exports, and many would support the goal of doubling their value.
OPINION: What does it say about our government when it sneaks its Gene Technology Bill through on the final day of Parliament and then expects our entire dairy sector to digest it all in the middle of the summer holidays?
Let’s be blunt: it screams unfairness, and it reeks of secrecy and it’s a slap in the face to every farmer who makes this nation prosper.
Together with sheep and beef, our sector makes up a massive 40% of our country’s exports. Yet, the Government, led by the allegedly probusiness National Party, seems determined to dismiss even the biggest voice in New Zealand agriculture, Fonterra. How exactly is that probusiness?
And why is a topic crucial to our industry and the NZ economy being funnelled through the Health Committee?
We aren’t here to argue for or against GM. Our point is that to present a Bill that could rewire our entire industry on eight-weeks’ notice is abjectly insulting and completely disregards the spirit of fair governance that all Kiwis value.
We might expect our biggest industry leader, Fonterra, to roar. Yet, from all reports, when Fonterra asked the Government for more time on this Bill, the request was denied; leadership simply shrugged and moved on. That’s unacceptable.
Our cooperative wields immense influence over our nation’s economy and, we should remember, is owned by thousands of shareholders who will bear the brunt of any shifts in policy.
Fonterra must publicly demand a 90-day extension for public comment on the Bill. If Chris Luxon refuses to accommodate, Fonterra trucks should stop rolling. It would probably take less than three hours for Luxon to yield.
This situation is so backward that it almost invites a conspiracy theory. Genetic modification might offer benefits in terms of efficiency or resilience, or it might threaten our single most important market advantage. Regardless, the fair questions at this point are, “What’s your hurry?” and “What are you hiding?” If the Gene Technology Bill is truly beneficial, then it will still be beneficial 90 days from February 17th.
This Bill, one way or another, will impact your family, your community, and your economic wellbeing. Ninety days isn’t a big ask. If Fonterra fails us, let the co-op leaders reap the whirlwind.
Fonterra needs to say, “This is not how you treat your largest export sector, nor your party’s base.” Let’s shine a light on the Gene Technology Bill and let’s decide on our own terms what’s best for our industry and New Zealand. These are the issues we need to consider:
Fonterra, the spotlight’s on you.
Michael Henne and John Greenberg are executives of NZ agribusiness company, Hyprecision Ag Ltd.
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