DCANZ Welcomes Consultative Approach

Media Release
18 December 2006

DCANZ Welcomes Consultative Approach

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) is welcoming the consultative approach being taken by the Government in today’s release of its Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change discussion document.

“A consultative and collaborative approach is the best approach, given the significant impact agriculture has on the economy. It is critical that the full impact of all of the measures proposed in the discussion document is considered from all perspectives,” said DCANZ Chairman, Earl Rattray.

“The document underlines the challenge of implementing a regime to reduce emissions without undermining the economic contribution of agriculture, and particularly dairy, to exports and to GDP. It is particularly important that all parties work closely together in this area so that we achieve a balanced outcome that is good for the environment, good for the economy and does not place unnecessary financial burdens on farmers.”

Mr Rattray said DCANZ welcomed the recognition given to the role of research in addressing the emissions challenge.

“The dairy industry, through Pastoral 21, is already focused on targeted research to deliver sustainable farming practices and our commitment is further reinforced through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Consortium which is working on technologies to reduce emissions. The industry will be particularly supportive of any increase in government investment to match the investments being made by farmers on sustainable environmental practices.”

Mr Rattray said the dairy industry was very focused on sustainability and had a number of initiatives in place focused on ensuring increases in production were not detrimental to the environment.

“We will be bringing the same level of commitment to working with government and the agricultural sector as a whole on working through the proposals outlined in the discussion document.”

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