Federated Farmers is rejecting a government emissions pricing plan that will cost the country millions of dollars in lost production.
“According to the Government’s own modelling, it will lead to a 20% reduction in sheep and beef farming, and a 5% reduction in dairy production,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said.
“That’s the last thing the country needs in our current economic climate, and is not something Federated Farmers would ever be willing to support.”
Federated Farmers originally agreed to try and work with the Government and other sector partners to develop a plan to reduce emissions in a way that was cost effective and fair for farmers, Wayne said.
“The sector presented a credible plan 18 months ago, but we had nothing but radio silence from the Government who have now compressed timelines and put themselves under pressure,” he said.
“What the Government have come back with is not a plan that’s been designed in partnership with the sector – it’s the Government plan – and we have serious concerns about the impact it will have on New Zealand farmers.
“Federated Farmers had three clear bottom lines that needed to be met and what the Government has put forward today falls well short of meeting them.”
“Farmer confidence is at an all-time low, and this announcement is going to do nothing to help restore it. It will only erode it further.” Wayne said.
