Farmers Remain Resolute against Ratification of Kyoto

9 December 2002
PR161/02
Farmers Remain Resolute against Ratification of Kyoto Protocol

On the eve of New Zealand officially becoming part of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce climate change effects farmers remain resolute in their opposition to the Protocol, says Federated Farmers President Tom Lambie.

"Farming leaders from around the country oppose the Governments decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and implement policies that will harm the agriculture sector.

"The Government has adopted a policy that strikes at the heart of New Zealand's cost competitive clover-based pasture system. Farmers see this action as disregarding a sector responsible for some 17% of this country's GDP and also for the most consistent growth and wealth creation for the past twenty years."

At its recent National Council the Federation's Kyoto Protocol policy position was reaffirmed.

"The Government needs to realise that passing the Climate Change Response Bill may have paved the way for them to ratify the Kyoto Protocol but it has not resolved the many questions and issues that farmers believe remain unanswered and unresolved," said Mr Lambie.

Our policy position is:

* That the Federation opposes ratification of the Kyoto Protocol whilst significant uncertainties remain.

* That the Government revise its preferred policies affecting agriculture to better reflect what other countries are proposing to do.

ENDS

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