A Word from the Mayor
Much has been spoken of the recent release of the Government proposal to levy farmers for their emissions. Under the proposal the intention is to reduce emissions and that farmers will pay. This plan will have a cost to the individual farmer from “their” bottom line which has the potential to strangle our rural economy and have a negative effect on all other livelihoods that receive employment from our primary industry. It has been suggested that 1 in 5 farmers will be forced from their farms and will be a loss to the sector. Have a look around your small community and think about all of the employment options that are fed from the primary industry source, now place another lens over your community, and consider the social implications, less children at school, less teachers, nurses, doctors, vet’s, or volunteers for emergency services. How can we keep our communities vibrant and viable, when highly productive farms may be lost through a perverse and unintended consequence with the potential of productive farmland converting to carbon farming.
There is general sector agreement that farmers have a role to play in reducing emissions but not in a way that will put farmers out of business, farmers are proud stewards of the land and must be part of the solution and stay strong and continue to provide high quality food for the future of New Zealand and the world.
It makes sense if farmers are to pay for their emissions from their farms, they should be able to earn more from any initiatives as planting trees for shelter belts or riparian planning that provide a mitigation measure, as no-one cares more about the land that the people whose living depends on it.
Our district is reliant on farming and its allied industries to function, and this was evident at the Amberley A&P show held over the weekend, the strong presence of stakeholders who support events like the show are critical. Businesses’ need farmers and farmers need business to make keep our district strong and vibrant.