Farmer groups split on continuing with consultation meetings

Federated Farmers wants the farmers meetings to be put on hold until the country moves into orange level settings.

However, DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand accepted the Government's decision to grant them a month's extension and began consulting with farmers last week.

About 60 to 70 farmers turned up at the first few gatherings in Waikato. Under red light settings, 100 fully vaccinated people can gather.

Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard told Rural News that there were "quite a few empty chairs" at some meetings.

Hoggard isn't surprised and believes a thorough consultation with farmers is impossible under red settings.

"We are being told that with Covid and Omicron, we all need to isolate if we come into close contact with infected persons," he says.

Meanwhile, he points out that arable and cropping farmers are pressed for time and working hard to get their crop harvested on time.

"They are avoiding humans and staying away from events. Other farmers also cannot afford to be caught up in any other break."

Hoggard says he's heard of large outbreaks in some Waikato schools and colleges and they have the potential to spread quickly.

"Farmers have got a lot of work and cannot take that risk."

However, DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says going ahead with the farmer meetings was "a big judgment call".

Van der Poel told Rural News that precautions are being take to ensure participants are safe. Social distancing is maintained and meetings are attended by regional staff, meaning no one is flying from other parts of the country to attend meetings.

"We are keeping people out of airports so that they are not bringing Covid to the meetings."

Van der Poel says he understands farmer anxiety around Covid and the situation is being reviewed regularly.

"We are in touch with our people daily and reviewing the situation on a weekly basis," he says. "It's a big judgment call as we make use of the small window to consult and report back to the Government."

Feds Abstain

Federated Farmers wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern late last month seeking an extension to the emissions pricing deadline.

However, Feds president Andrew Hoggard says no reply was received from Ardern's office. Instead, Ministers James Shaw and Damien O'Connor wrote to the He Waka Eke Noa Partnership office stating that it had received multiple requests for extension.

Hoggard says DairyNZ and B+LNZ wanted a month's extension.

"During our discussions, while we did not oppose their position, we abstained when it came to seeking a month's extension.

"It makes no sense to continue with face-to-face consultation, especially when it could spread Omicron further and therefore result in farmers being seen as 'super-spreaders'."