Wayne Langford, President of Federated Farmers, has commended the new Government for its clear and credible plan aimed at revitalising farming and bolstering farmer confidence.
Langford highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and rural communities over the past six years, marked by impractical and costly regulations, which have led to record low levels of farmer confidence.
In anticipation of the election, Federated Farmers had put forward a ‘rural road map’ comprising 12 policy priorities designed to inject positivity into farming and steer it back on course. Langford noted with approval that the new Government has taken these priorities on board, adopting them as part of their policy framework.
Key changes welcomed by the farming community include the planned removal of the ‘ute tax’ by Christmas, advancements in water storage, and efforts to reduce the bureaucratic red tape that has long entangled farmers.
Particularly noteworthy is the Government’s firm commitment to revising the unworkable freshwater rules, aiming to replace them with more practical, farm-friendly regulations.
Additionally, there will be a review of the methane reduction targets set out in the Zero Carbon Act. This review is intended to ensure that New Zealand’s approach to methane reduction is both scientifically sound and politically neutral.
Langford expressed optimism about these developments, emphasising that such measures are crucial for restoring farmer confidence. Federated Farmers are looking forward to collaborating with the new Government to ensure the effective implementation of these policies, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in New Zealand.
