Most of the country is drier than usual. Photo / NZME.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has officially declared drought conditions on the east coast of the South Island as being a "medium-scale adverse event".
The declaration, which will trigger Government support for farmers, covers parts of Otago, Canterbury and the Marlborough district.
"Most farmers have coped so far by destocking
and using feed supplies, and most will not need extra support," he said in a statement. "However it's clear that conditions are only going to get tougher as the seasons change and we need to prepare now," he said.
Local groups, including Rural Support Trusts and Federated Farmers, have acknowledged the need of medium scale recovery measures to deal with the consequence of the drought.
Extra Government funding will now be available to Rural Support Trusts, who work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance.
