Constructive debate important

Farmers have been blamed for pollution levels.

Since taking over as Federated Farmers' Wanganui provincial president, I've had a swift initiation into some of the challenges farmers face.

Our annual meeting was a bit livelier than I'd anticipated and the fallout from it went nationwide overnight.

One speaker was particularly inflammatory and the tone of her sentiment was frankly derisory.

While I concede that dairy farming has not helped the state of our waterways, it's ludicrous to suggest we dispose of the majority of assets that provide our second most important revenue source.

We can be too quick to run down a good story in this country, and to suggest the Government is subsidising farmers by providing water and the financial means to clean up the waterways is disappointing and inaccurate.

Apparently, these initiatives are mismanagement that encourages private economic growth, but another view would be, it supports a sustainable and fiscally responsible agricultural venture.

A budget allocation of $100million over 10 years is a clear acknowledgment and endorsement by regional and state government of the importance of dairy to New Zealand's economy as well as the maintenance of our sustainable farming practices.

Yes, there is pollution of our waterways, and Federated Farmers is aware of this fact and despite what others say we aren't shirking responsibility.

What the speaker at our meeting didn't acknowledge was dairy farmers, unlike some other industries, are open to addressing their environmental responsibility and have undertaken numerous initiatives.

If not convinced, I suggest they grab a hold of the recently published Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord which confirms 96per cent of waterways on dairy farms are fenced off.

The majority of New Zealand farmers are smart and resourceful. At the heart of their best interests is to ensure their activities are sustainable.

This is not entirely about national interest either. It's personal too, and about protecting one's family legacy like any home business.

I get New Zealanders are concerned with how the Government spends its tax dollars.

The millions spent on supporting agriculture though have been done with the intent to invest in our overseas reputation and brand as a quality agriculture producer.

Calling dairy farming moronic and self-serving, and that it should be effectively stopped has no substance or logic.

Those involved in the dairy industry are generally proud Kiwis with a vested interest in our country and its fortunes.

Tourism for example, depends on people who don't have a vested interest in New Zealand to invest in New Zealand.

Dairy farming though, is a livelihood and those who do it are genuine trustees of the land.