94% of NZ farmers oppose Paris Agreement, survey shows
A survey of 2000 farmers shows 94% of respondents believe that remaining in the Paris Agreement for climate change is not in the country's best interest.
Groundswell New Zealand says it wants the Government to cease all regulations targeting the farming sector.
Groundswell New Zealand wants the Government to cease all regulations targeting the farming sector.
In a statement at the end of ‘The Mother of all Protests’ today, Groundswell NZ called on the Government to hold “genuine negotiations to reach acceptable solutions” with aggrieved farmers.
And it warns that if the Government doesn’t do this, the farmer lobby will invite all New Zealanders to join its next protest at Parliament in February.
Addressing protestors around the country Groundswell NZ says Kiwis are hardworking and reasonable people.
However, it says the Government regulations around the environment, ute tax and Three Waters are unworkable, unfair and unreasonable.
“A Government must have enough wisdom and compassion to see this,” it says.
“The stress of Covid has been tough on us: these regulations only added to everyone’s worries.
“We demand an end to these regulations until genuine consultations takes place.”
The protest, held around the country, started with a drive through towns and cities by utes and cars and ended at 1.35pm
Groundswell has asked its members to disperse from protest sites peacefully.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

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