MEDIA RELEASE

2 November 2006

Proactive Environmental Protection by Fertiliser Industry

Fish & Game New Zealand welcomes the announcement by the fertiliser industry that it will actively work to ensure that all dairy farms will have a nutrient budget in place by mid next year.

“Fertiliser contamination of our lowland streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands has long lasting and serious adverse affects on these waters and our ability to use and enjoy them,”said Bryce Johnson, Director Fish & Game New Zealand. “Further, the additional nitrate pollution of aquifers and ground water can have adverse affects on drinking water.”

“This nutrient run-off is wasteful for farmers, and sound nutrient budgeting will improve productivity, reduce on-farm costs, and protect our fragile freshwater environment – a simple win-win solution.”

“It is pleasing to see the fertiliser industry proactively assisting farmers to minimise the adverse environmental affects of poorly managed fertiliser application. To Rodney Green of Ravensdown, Larry Bilodeau of Balance Agri-Nutrients, and Geoff Lawson of Summit-Quinphos, Good on you!”

“The crucial issue is farmers’ uptake of this initiative is its application on the farm; the quality of our streams and water bodies will be the measure. “

ENDS

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