Dairy leaders speak out for environment

New Zealand businesses are being encouraged to follow dairying's lead in tackling environmental issues.

The Dairy Environment Leadership Group has urged other industries to form leadership groups on the environment.

Group chairman John Penno's comments followed a speech by Environment Ministry chief executive Hugh Logan, who suggested New Zealand had to improve its environmental record to gain competitive advantages here and abroad.

Penno said his group was implementing a sustainable environmental management strategy to help dairy farmers improve the effect their farming had on the environment while maintaining productivity.

All dairy farmers and those who advised them were co-operating to reduce any environmental damage caused by dairy farming.

"Few other people in New Zealand feel the benefit of our clean green image as acutely as farmers," Penno said.

"The prices they earn overseas for dairy or other products can reflect international demand for products from clean and green sources."

But the benefits of dairy farmers changing practices would be felt throughout the community.

"The competitive edge gained by New Zealand's quality environment doesn't benefit just the primary industry."

- Staff reporter