Farmers must have right to choose on GE - Langford
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
Farmers want the Government to deploy the army to deter crime in rural areas of Coromandel, East Cape and Hawke's Bay.
Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says the army was present following the Christchurch earthquake, which established a threshold now crossed by the crime and fear plaguing the flood hit regions.
Copeland was in the Hawke's Bay over the past few days and met plenty of people who were cleaning up flood damage. Many had grave fears for the safety of themselves and property.
"People outside the region have little awareness of the dire situation. The criminal element is operating and intimidating in isolated rural and farming areas, and the perception is, not enough is being done to rein them in.
"The Police are doing an awesome and much appreciated job. But the army would increase the reach of state authority and support to rural areas."
Copeland says there was no need for curfews or army enforcement powers, and the army could travel isolated regions, to make itself available as the communities requested.
"Rural communities are tight knit and self-reliant, but they could do with the reassurance and support of the army’s neutral presence.
"Exhausted people in flood-hit areas are very vulnerable, and the state is not there with them at enough scale. They need the reassurance of the army presence, and criminals need the army to deter them."
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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