Taranaki farmers face uncertain outlook despite grass growth after drought
The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there is far from rosy.
The Taranaki Regional Council programme is a finalist in two categories of the Ministry for the Environment's 2013 Green Ribbon Awards: the Caring for Our Water and Public Sector Leadership categories.
Environment Minister Amy Adams announced the finalists in 11 award categories last week.
Adams says the council has "gone the extra mile in developing enduring relationships with dairy farmers to understand the best riparian practices for their land".
"They have shown commitment to addressing a crucial issue for New Zealand – how to ensure our agricultural sector can promote and implement sustainable resource management."
The council's chairman, David MacLeod, is delighted with the nomination.
"For almost two decades the council has worked closely with Taranaki dairy farmers to develop the riparian management programme—a voluntary programme to fence and plant riparian margins on the ring plain.
"The recognition is for the efforts of the Taranaki community which has shown leadership in protecting water quality through the riparian programme, alongside the sustainable development of an industry that is vital to Taranaki," says Macleod.
The awards are open to individuals, organisations, businesses and communities throughout New Zealand. There are three finalists in each category and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Parliament on June 5, which is World Environment day.
