MEDIA RELEASE

19 May 2013

Ashburton Is Environment Central This Week

Federated Farmers believes Ashburton this week will become the environmental centre of New Zealand.

“If you are interested in how to positively farm with the environment, then Ashburton is the place to be this week,” says Ian Mackenzie, Federated Farmers Environment spokesperson.

“First up on Tuesday (21 May), Federated Farmers with ATS is holding “Farming with nutrient limits in Mid-Canterbury” at the Hotel Ashburton.  This is for all farmers and horticulturists, in effect, any intensive or extensive land-user.

“Our Mid-Canterbury provincial president, Chris Allen, has assembled a star-studded line up.  It features Federated Farmers policy staff, Ngai Tahu and experts on nutrient management; from the practical to the scientific.

“Even I have a cameo, speaking on ‘Good Farm Nutrient Management Practices’ ahead of facilitating a couch session with Ecan’s Ashburton Zone Committee members.

“Before we finish with dinner, the Hon Jo Goodhew, Associate Minister for Primary Industries, will talk on the Government’s Fresh Water Policy.

“Farmers will then have a day to catch their breath, before IrrigationNZ’s Great Irrigation challenge at the Ashburton Raceway Thursday/Friday.  There is an admission fee, however, the nature of what is being discussed makes it a must for any irrigator.

“IrrigationNZ on Thursday will launch its Irrigator User Group ‘How to Guide,’ which has been a Sustainable Farming Fund project.  On Friday, it is then launching its Standard Installation Contract.

“Over the course of several days there will be a range of workshops and discussion groups.

“Ashburton is truly the place to be for farming and the environment this week,” Mr Mackenzie concluded.

ENDS

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