Sign for science

Southland beef breeder Laurence Paterson has launched a petition seeking a science-based approach to fresh water policy:

Petition Request:

That the House of Representatives urge the Government to review and amend the National Policy Statement For Freshwater Management to ensure that it is based on science and best practice for each catchment and farm and does not require farmers to sow on specific dates.

Petition Reason:

As a passionate freshwater person I believe the new regulations are unworkable and mandatory sowing dates compromise health and safety and cause mental health stress. In my view, one size cannot fit all: farmers with good environmental outcomes should not be penalised by an expensive consenting process and poorer performers should be assisted by council field staff to improve. I believe that farming should not have an expensive EU-style consenting process strangling expenditure on improvements.

The regulations are too prescriptive and if the letter of the law is followed will add costs, complexity and stress. They will also reduce production which will not only cost farmers it will cost the country in less food at higher prices for New Zealanders and less export income.

Please sign the petition to support a science-based approach to better environmental outcomes.