Move by farmers to clean streams a good start

19 January 2007

Media Release

Move by farmers to clean streams good start to a critical year in green business policy development

A move by one of the country's major fertiliser companies to provide another 9,000 hours of free specialist time to help its farmer owners prepare nutrient management plans is a critically important and good move, according to senior business leaders.

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development – representing 51 of some of the country's largest businesses – says Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited's boosted effort, to help all members of the 100% co-operatively owned company prepare nutrient management plans by the end of June, has to be one of the most positive indicators the primary industry is serious about sustainable management.

Business Council Chief Executive Peter Neilson says it also sends a further heartening signal that the primary sector understands and will act on its responsibilities to manage in ways which will protect the country's vital green image.

"The biggest risk this year to putting in place practicable policies to manage the environment and climate change will result from any misunderstanding within the primary sector of what's needed to make sure New Zealand keeps ahead in a world that's rapidly going green.

"This is why the Ballance initiative, in support of the national voluntary primary sector effort to clean up the nation's waterways, is so important," Mr Neilson says. "There is now a real hope that all farmers will have nutrient management plans in place by the June 30 deadline. Other Kiwis, who tell us they most want to retain the country's quality of life into the future, will applaud this achievement," Mr Neilson says. "It will head off any conflict between the urban and primary sectors. All New Zealanders see the ability to safely swim, fish and take clean water as what's special about our country."

The Clean Streams Accord was formed between Fonterra, Regional Councils, MAF and the Ministry for the Environment.

"What we're seeing is another exhibition of what Kiwis are good at – mucking in to do their bit in the national interest. It's also in farmers' self interest long term. This year the country will be negotiating along a fine line to achieve a balanced package of policies that manage the environment and climate change, while also allowing us to innovate, grow and compete with the world. Farmers in Europe are now firmly behind climate change management and are determined to play a role in it."

The National Farmers' Union in the UK this week revealed results of a member survey showing 70% of farmers are already taking action to combat climate change on their land, by reassessing their fertiliser needs and costs, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Some 20% are already investigating or have committed to grow energy crops, and 29% are taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change by changing crops, planting shelter belts, improving drainage and disposing of waste more responsibly.

"We hope to see farmers accept the challenge in that way here, where there is no way – as our major greenhouse gas emitting sector – they can avoid a role in managing our own answers to climate change here. There are enormous opportunities for farmers and the country to profit from practicable, business-friendly, climate change policies," Mr Neilson says.

ENDS

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