increase font size
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
In an email to his members, Langford since it has been six months since the election, the time was right to write to members and offer an update on how things are tracking with the new Government.
He reminded farmers that Federated Farmers had 12 policy priorities for restoring confidence that they wanted to see picked up and implemented by the Government: he claims “significant movement” on nine of those policies.
“These ranged from areas where we wanted to see more investment and support for farmers, through to a long list of impractical rules and regulations that we wanted to see rewritten.
“Our team have been doing our best to keep pressure on the Government to ensure these policy changes are prioritised — and we’ve been having some real success.”
Langford points out that methane targets are being reviewed, unworkable freshwater rules are being rewritten and RMA reform is underway. The ‘Ute Tax’ has been scrapped, SNA rules have been suspended, and investment in water storage is being actively encouraged.
“That’s quite a turnaround in six months. In total, we have seen significant movement on 9/12 of our policy priorities, with positive signs on a further two.
“There has also been significant support for two of Federated Farmers' other priorities: an independent inquiry into rural banking and promoting the benefits of wool.
“We know it’s still pretty tough out there for farmers, but we’re doing everything we can to make things a bit easier and cut some of the unnecessary costs from your balance sheet,” Langford told farmers.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
As New Zealand marks International Day of Rural Women today, women from across the horticulture sector are calling attention to the crucial role they play in building a more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient industry.
Listed rural trader PGG Wrightson chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown have been voted out by shareholders.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
DairyNZ has appointed Dr Jenny Jago to a newly created leadership team role - science partnerships & impact advisor - as part of a strategic refresh of the organisation's science leadership.
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
When I interview Rachel Cox, she is driving - on her way to her next meeting.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…
