Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Langford says he has noticed a real shift in the mood this year - helped by better commodity prices, lower interest rates, and some red tape being cut.
“It’ll be interesting to see if that’s translated into farmers opening their wallets and making some purchases this year,” he says.
Langford points out that says there some “really key announcements” during Fieldays.
This includes a new $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund.
“I’ve been fighting hard for this, alongside other rural advocacy groups, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see such a meaningful investment into rural mental health,” he says.
He notes that it was also a massive result for wool this week, with Kāinga Ora deciding to use wool carpet in its social housing.
“As our meat and wool chair Toby Williams said, our wool industry is in major freefall, and this move from Kainga Ora is the parachute we desperately need.
“It’ll slow the fall, but we still really need a big updraft to lift wool back up into being the number-one fibre globally.”
Another great win for farmers came when Energy Minister Simon Watts announced a package of measures designed to increase use of solar power on Kiwi farms.
Langford says its positive to see these moves to help farmers more easily access independent solar power and battery technology advice and finance.
“I’m very proud that Federated Farmers has been getting real change across the line that will make tangible improvements to our rural families.
“And let me be clear: this is only thanks to the awesome support of our loyal members, who power us to be the voice of farming in the country.
“It’s been a great week for farming – and rest assured that we won’t be backing off now. We’re committed to getting Kiwi ag into an even better place, one win at a time.”
