National Party representatives will be presenting and discussing their agriculture policies with Southland farmers
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, along with MP for Southland Joseph Mooney and National's agriculture spokesperson Todd McClay, will engage with the rural sector in Winton and Gore on Tuesday to discuss National's new farming policy. Simmonds emphasizes that National is committed to supporting Southland farmers by reducing regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and by backing rural communities in their efforts to provide high-quality, low-carbon food and fiber to the world.
"Our 'Getting Back to Farming' policy, which aims to put an end to the burdensome regulatory environment created by the Labour party, has already been announced by National," states Simmonds. She further highlights that the Labour government has implemented or amended over 20 laws and regulations for farmers since taking office, resulting in increased costs without any environmental benefits.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, along with MP for Southland Joseph Mooney and National's agriculture spokesperson Todd McClay, will engage with the rural sector in Winton and Gore on Tuesday to discuss National's new farming policy. Simmonds emphasizes that National is committed to supporting Southland farmers by reducing regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and by backing rural communities in their efforts to provide high-quality, low-carbon food and fiber to the world.
"Our 'Getting Back to Farming' policy, which aims to put an end to the burdensome regulatory environment created by the Labour party, has already been announced by National," states Simmonds. She further highlights that the Labour government has implemented or amended over 20 laws and regulations for farmers since taking office, resulting in increased costs without any environmental benefits.
Additionally, National has recently unveiled its Agricultural Emissions policy. While the party is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, Simmonds believes that technology, rather than reducing production, is the key to reducing emissions in agriculture. To unlock significant benefits in climate change, agriculture, and health science, a National government would lift New Zealand's ban on gene editing and genetic modification.
Simmonds assures that National takes a pragmatic approach and will refrain from introducing pricing until farmers have access to the necessary tools and advancements in science and technology to effectively reduce emissions. The upcoming meetings in Winton and Gore will provide the farming community with a comprehensive briefing on National's plans and an opportunity to ask questions regarding the practical implementation of the policies.
Simmonds acknowledges that agriculture is a vital strength in New Zealand's economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and goods exports. She asserts that Southland farmers deserve recognition and support, and National is fully prepared to fulfill that role. The discussions on Tuesday will take place at Winton's Memorial Hall at 3:00 pm and Gore's Croydon Lodge at 7:30 pm.
Link to the source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/132357548/national-to-explain-agriculture-policies-to-s...
