CountryWide CONNECT

Tairāwhiti farmers want ag policy that outlasts three-year cycles | Hilton Collier

CountryWide CONNECT

Summary

The conversation focuses on the agricultural policy challenges faced by Māori landowners in Tairawhiti, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. Hilton Collier, CEO of Te Rāwhiti Whenua, expresses concern over the lack of effective agricultural policy that addresses key issues such as emissions trading, freshwater management, and the need for government infrastructure. He emphasizes the desire for farmers to operate freely and sustainably while achieving consistent profit margins, highlighting the importance of long-term policy planning that transcends political cycles.

Collier discusses the diverse land use strategies employed by Māori landowners, including red meat production, forestry, and horticulture, and the potential of the emissions trading scheme to fund sustainable land use transitions. He advocates for a collaborative approach to policy development that incorporates traditional knowledge and regional expertise, arguing that current regulations often create confusion and hinder effective farming practices. The need for clear, consistent policies that support both environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity is underscored as vital for the future of the region's farming community.

Show Notes

Farmers are making good money on lamb and beef, but Tairāwhiti Whenua CEO Hilton Collier says policy that flips every three years makes long-term investment hard. He talks the ETS, water storage and why he trusts farmers with their land.

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