Environment Court In Favour of Farmers
The Environment Court has ruled in favour of farmers on the Banks Peninsula who have been fighting for the right to farm their land for over a decade. Federated Farmers Banks Peninsula Branch Chair Pam Richardson says she is relieved but at the same time frustrated. Mrs Richardson believes the court’s decision recognises the good faith and effort put into mediation proceedings by farmers. >>>MORE
Every Household Needs A Farmer
Too many New Zealanders have become disconnected from the land and most now only have a relationship with their supermarket and not the people who produce some of the best food in the world, Mr Pedersen told members at the first annual general meetings of the Federation’s provincial organisations. >>>MORE or read full speech here
The Worrying Cost of Carbon
The President of Federated Farmers, Charlie Pedersen says New Zealand farmers are concerned about their ability to farm in a sensible and sustainable way. He told a forum of the Australian Farm Institute, in Queensland that on one hand farmers are being asked to produce more food for an increasing world population, but on the other hand are facing significant restrictions imposed on them by both central and local government. >>>MORE
Free Trade Is What Farmers Want
Federated Farmers welcomes the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China as it will bring huge benefits to New Zealand farmers. China has the biggest potential market in the world, with the biggest population. The Chinese want our meat, wool and dairy products. It is a great time to be a food producer in New Zealand. >>>MORE
Federation Monitoring Dry
Federated Farmers has activated an 0800 number to monitor dry conditions around New Zealand. The number, 0800 335 663, allows farmers with surplus feed supply to register the type and amount available for purchase. Farmers having difficulty sourcing feed can access the Federated Farmers Feedlist here.
Planning Season Underway
All over New Zealand councils are beginning to consult communities on proposed rates increases for 2008/09. As usual Federated Farmers will be making a big effort to submit, but we also encourage individual farmers to have their say. To help we have produced a Rates Guide - a ‘how-to’ on submitting to your council - and a submission template for those who just want to support the Federation’s broad points on rates and local government funding. Order a copy by emailing: nbillings@fedfarm.org.nz.
Remuneration Report 2008
The Federated Farmers’ Remuneration Report 2008 details remuneration rates of farm employees in the dairy, sheep, beef and arable sectors. It includes hourly rates for casual and permanent employees, remuneration trends since 2002, gross salary excluding bonuses, and total remuneration – including additional benefits such as subsidised accommodation, food or meat, power, telephone, private transport and production/performance bonuses. The report is free to members and costs $150 for non-members. To order a copy phone 0800 FARMING or email: 0800@fedfarm.org.nz. |
