19 July 2001 PR103/01
Federation working Positively with the Environment
Alistair Polson, President of Federated Farmers New Zealand said today that recent comments made by both Forest and Bird
and Fish and Game regarding the impact of dairying on the environment were both scurrilous and economically
irresponsible.
"Federated Farmers are committed to working with farmers, local and regional government and environmental agencies to
ensure a clean green New Zealand, Mr Polson said. "Ironically I sit on the Landcare Trust with representatives from
Forest and Bird and Fish and Game".
Mr Polson chair's the Landcare Trust, which was instigated by the Federation to promote sustainable land management.
"Farmers livelihoods depend on being able to market their product internationally and know the importance of a clean,
environmentally friendly image," said Mr Polson. "Clean water is needed for stock and for dairy shed hygiene, it is not
just a prerequisite for trout and salmon."
"The dairy industry with the support of Federated Farmers has developed as series of environmental guidelines as well as
a farm focussed Environmental Management System (EMS)," Mr Polson said.
Federated Farmers and the dairy industry promote keeping stock out of waterways where practicable and where the costs do
not outweigh the environmental benefits.
"The Federation continues to lobby for changes to the Resource Management Act," Mr Polson said. "The Federation are not
seeking to water-down the environmental goals of the Act but to overcome its inherent deficiencies, which are
constraining economic development."
"The Federation believes that councils need to face the financial consequences of limiting a landowner's ability to farm
viably because of the aesthetic demands of their neighbours."
The Act has allowed poor consultation with landowners and led to alienation of the very people who are integral to
obtaining successful environmental outcomes."
If New Zealand is to remain globally competitive we cannot ignore constraints like the RMA. The Federation is working
tirelessly on these issues because we know how important they are to our members who compete on a daily basis with other
producers around the world
ENDS
For more information: Alistair Polson, PH 025 370 085 Jo McKenzie, PH 04 473
7269 or 025 226 0306