More RMA stress and cost for farmers in Horizons region
April 4, 2017
Federated
Farmers is deeply disappointed by a legal decision which suggests the Horizons
Regional Council has not implemented the One Plan correctly and environmental
gains are not being made.
The court
decision announced today is now being carefully reviewed by Feds, so we can
begin to understand the on-the-ground implications for our member farmers.
Federated
Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei provincial president James Stewart says we have to
remember the enormous amount of good work and investment undertaken by farmers
across the region to comply with the ‘One Plan’ regulations and that the plan’s
objectives are being achieved.
"The
council has worked very hard to implement a One Plan that’s workable and that
does not put farmers out of business and improves water quality as needed.
"In fact
water quality is already improving markedly with the improvements farmers have
implemented, along with the work done by the community and council," James
says.
"We really
need farmers not to be discouraged by this decision. All farmers need to
continue their vital work on environmental improvements, despite the uncertainty
this legal decision brings."
Federated
Farmers' Tararua provincial president Clint Worthington is concerned this
decision will lead to costly red tape and lengthier processes, rather than
targeted on the ground action on a case by case basis.
"Which just
means more time, more cost and more stress for farmers.
"But after
saying that, the one thing we really hope we don’t lose from all of this is the
Council’s ability to see the importance of working with the sector to achieve
efficient and effective water quality outcomes," Clint says.
"The
region’s precious funds and efforts are better spent on improving the
environment rather than in funding lawyers and consultants."