Farmers continue protest against 'ridiculous' tax

A convoy of rampaging farmers stopped the traffic in central Auckland today on the second day of the Fight Against Ridiculous Taxes (Fart) protest against the Government's proposed research levy.

The protesters had police on their side - for today at least - as the road rules went the way of the wind.

The convoy was given green lights the entire way along Ponsonby Rd, down Karangahape Rd and into Queen St.

Helensville farmer John Glasson, riding high in his twincab ute and armed with a hooter, confessed he had enjoyed his two days taking the message to the people.

"This is bloody marvellous," he said.

"She's wildly exciting with all these cops tearing round ."

The protest convoy had grown in size and noise from Monday's trail of 10 vehicles that drove from Wellsford to Orewa, to 46 today, some with farm dogs along for the ride.

Aucklanders gave the protesters a warm reception with smiles, thumbs-ups and car honks along the way.

However, despite the mardi gras atmosphere, farmers were serious about their dissatisfaction with the Government's intention to add to their tax burden.

Costing the average farmer about $300 each year, the tax will total $8.4 million a year and will pay for research on methane emission.

It was part of the Government's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A Herald DigiPoll on the tax found that 80 per cent of those polled supported the farmers.

Mr Glasson said it took a lot to rile up a farmer.

"Farmers are pretty laid back. They don't get up in arms over trivial things. But for God's sake, this is just bloody ridiculous." "No other country in the world is getting into this," said Wellsford farmer Dave Oldfield.

"It's just to get the green vote. Anything that goes on, the farmers have to pay for it."

However, Judith Lawrence, director of the Climate Change Office said the Government was already putting $40 million into agricultural research, including $1.6 million on reducing emissions, and the farmers needed to take more of the burden.

"The agricultural sector stands to lose a lot from climate change. Given they produce 50 per cent of the emissions, they need to be part of the solution."

A decision by Cabinet on how the levy would be collected was due within the next few weeks.

The Government may have to consider legislating to enforce its collection, with meat companies, industry organisations and Fonterra indicating they have no intention of collecting the levy unless they are required to by law.

The rally continues in Papakura tomorrow.