‘Real life’ scenarios focus of Ruataniwha meeting

Media Statement

30 October 2014 – for immediate release

‘Real life’ scenarios focus of Ruataniwha meeting

IrrigationNZ says ‘real life’ scenarios presented by farmers with experience of irrigation is the focus of Tuesday’s ‘It’s Now or Never’ Ruataniwha meeting, rather than theoretical economic models.

IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis was responding to criticism from Wellington economist Peter Fraser who asked to present his economic views on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, but was turned down by meeting organisers IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers.

“This event is not about theory and economic modelling. It’s about Hawkes’ Bay farmers and growers hearing directly from their colleagues in other parts of the country about their personal experience of irrigation, how they made it pay and the on-farm changes that resulted. We declined Mr Fraser’s request because he’s talking about theory, not real life farming,” says Mr Curtis.

“Local farmers asked to hear from comparative irrigators prepared to share their stories and offer advice to those looking to uptake Ruataniwha water. As the industry body representing irrigation schemes, we undertake an annual cost of irrigation survey. This information comes directly from schemes and irrigators. We’ve used this information to bring two farmers along from modern piped irrigation schemes which are paying a similar cost for water. Their stories are therefore extremely relevant” says Mr Curtis.

“Our four farming speakers, who include two local irrigators, will give the low-down on their farm financials and how irrigation infrastructure can be funded. This exercise will be far more useful for local farmers and growers than debating the merits of different economic theories and the assumptions that go with them,” he says.

IrrigationNZ and Federated Farmers will also supply links at the meeting to New Zealand and global research that illustrates the regional economic and social benefits of irrigation development.

The ‘It’s Now or Never’ Ruataniwha meeting will start 7pm, Tuesday 4 November at the Waipawa Municipal Theatre. The event is being supported by Westpac and FMG Rural Insurance.

10.10.14IrrigNZRuataniwhaEvent.pdf

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