15 December 2014
Farmers' group congratulates environmentalists on success of Ruataniwha Dam appeal
The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group, which represents organic livestock farmers, is writing to the Forest and Bird
Protection Society, Fish & Game and the Environmental Defence Society to congratulate them on the successful outcome of their High Court appeal
against the way the Board of Inquiry into the Ruataniwha Dam made its decisions on nitrogen leaching from farms.
“Organic dairy farming has been scientifically proven to leach 50% less nitrogen than conventional dairying”, says ODPG
Chair Bryan Clearwater. “Most of the difference is due to organic farmers planting mixed species pastures, which deliver
less nitrogen to the cows, and absorb more of what is excreted.”
“Organic farmers are working hard to reduce their environmental impact, and so it was galling to see the Board of
Inquiry give special favours to the dam proponents, when it seems they couldn't care less about reducing nitrogen
pollution."
“The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group is delighted that the appeal by the environmentalists against this potential
miscarriage of justice was successful, and hopes it will set a good precedent for future decision-making on protecting
fresh water resources”, said Mr Clearwater.
ENDS