MPs get a hands-on look at a dairy farm
MPs get a hands-on look at a dairy farm
0 Comments | Manawatu Standard; Palmerston North, New Zealand, Jul 24, 2010 | by Dani MCDONALD
MPs got a “boots on” look at the workings of a Manawatu dairy farm yesterday.
A group of five MPs visited the dairy shed and feed pad before being hosted for lunch by Himitangi Federated Farmers members Grant and Katrina Barber.
Many farmers feel aggrieved their concerns have not been taken on by Horizons Regional Council regarding the One Plan reform, which is aimed at streamlining the resource consent process.
Mr and Mrs Barber said the One Plan was having little effect, and bureaucratic regulation was making farming harder and less profitable.
Labour list MP Darren Hughes said focusing on the effects of one farm improved his understanding.
“It’s really grounding as to what the issues are in farming,” Mr Hughes said. “It’s another reminder as to how crucial agriculture is to the New Zealand economy and environmental stability.”
Most political parties were invited to visit the dairy farm, though neither of the Green MPs who were asked turned up.
Sue Kedgely said she was just too busy, and was “flat tack at the moment”.
Kennedy Graham was also invited but did not go.
The Green Party has been a vocal critic of the dairy industry, and the organisers of the trip expressed regret they did not come to see a dairy farm in action.
But Mr Graham said that at the time of the trip, he was busy doing preparation for an interview with Chris Laidlaw on Radio New Zealand on Sunday
shed plans