B+LNZ calls for government action as sheep and beef farm sales to forestry climb
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The protest group ‘50 Shades of Green’ is organising a march on Parliament this week to try and stop good farmland being covered in pine trees.
Asked why we they are marching, organisers say the answer is simple.
“Farmers love the land. Many farms have been nurtured for generations to feed not only New Zealand but 40 million people internationally as well.
“We’re now seeing that land gone forever, often to overseas based aristocrats and carbon investors.”
The organisers say 50 Shades of Green is not anti trees, acknowledging the amenity and economic value of trees, but they believe it is about the right tree in the right place.
“What is happening now is that good farmland, sold offshore, is being blanket planted in pine trees. That means it is forever lost to New Zealand.”
“Large tracts of good farmland are being planted in trees. You can’t eat wood.”
Details:
March for the Future of Provincial New Zealand
Meet Civic Square Wellington, 11am Thursday 14th of November
Walk to Parliament arrive 1pm
Dress Rural Green to support the march
https://www.50shadesofgreen.co.nz/save-our-farms-protest-walk/
For those that can't make it. Dress rural green on the 14th, take a pic, upload to social and tag 50 Shades of Green: https://www.facebook.com/50shadesofgreen.nz
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