Farmers Pay To Access Water

3 August 2007

Farmers Pay To Access Water

Dairy farmers are putting a lot of resources into reducing their impact on the environment and already pay for access to water, says Frank Brenmuhl of Federated Farmers.

Mr Brenmuhl was responding to reported comments by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

"Farmers pay for water in many ways but mainly through the provision of infrastructure and ongoing costs.

"Farmers have to pay the costs of pumps, pipes, storage, monitoring, the electricity to run those pumps, and face significant bills in obtaining resource consents to put down bores and take water. Water is definitely not free," Mr Brenmuhl said.

"And though farmers have to obtain consents to use water, that consent does not confer ownership.

"On the environment, farmers are involved in a range of activities to reduce their environmental footprint.

"Generally farmers are doing the best they can to minimise the effects of intensive farming, especially in the areas of water quality. That said, we know we have more work to do.

"On the subject of climate change, the reality is the science and technology is not there yet, but research is underway.

"In the meantime the dairying community will continue to work towards improved environmental outcomes," said Mr Brenmuhl.

ENDS

© Scoop Media