22 April 2002
Farmers should be concerned that despite the Government's best intentions, ratification of the Kyoto Protocol could
compromise the future viability of agriculture and New Zealand, says Federated Farmers President Alistair Polson.
Alistair Polson and Vice President Tom Lambie met with Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday to reiterate farmer's
concerns over the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
"The Federation has been frequently assured that the Government will not expose New Zealand's largest export earner to
significant risks. However, Federated Farmers remains unconvinced its concerns have been adequately addressed.
"Delaying ratification of the Protocol beyond September would allow for greater analysis of all the options open for New
Zealand to address climate change concerns.
"The Federation is not advocating inaction on climate change, but we will not support the Government's intent to ratify
the protocol when the benefits of 'playing the game' are largely unqualified and unproven, benefits that Australia and
the USA did not see as good enough."
ENDS