Get in behind ETS, Key tells Federated Farmers

Wednesday 18th November 2009

Prime Minister John Key has appealed to the country's peak farming lobby, Federated Farmers, to get in behind the Emissions Trading Scheme or risk global consumers seeing New Zealand as uncaring about the environment.

In an address to Federated Farmers' annual National Council meeting, Key dwelt on the importance of protecting New Zealand's reputation as environmentally responsible in a world where consumers rather than governments are increasingly writing the rules by which industries play.

"While we, as a government, may have some sway over access to overseas markets, we can't force the consumers in those markets to buy our products if they think they do not measure up to their environmental standards.

"But we can help protect against that possibility. That's what we believe our ETS does," said Key. "I hope you will see it in that light."

Climate Change Minister Nick Smith addresses the council tomorrow and can expect a rough ride, as the farming lobby continues to call for exclusion of agriculture from the New Zealand ETS - a position strengthened by the Australian Government's offer last weekend to exclude Australian farmers indefinitely from its ETS-equivalent, the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

"It's worth noting that, depending on what happens at Copenhagen, Australia may have to subject their farming sector to much more stringent regulations because agriculture is excluded from their ETS," said Key.

The Prime Minister also urged Federated Farmers to contribute to sectoral leadership in three key areas: the future capital structure of Fonterra, and the resolution of major issues that still dog the meat and wool industries.

"Your influence is absolutely critical to resolving the problems in the meat industry. I encourage you to exert it.

"There is only so much the Government can do to meet the challenges we face in our economy and that you face in your industry. The future of agriculture is not just up to us. In so many ways, that future is in your hands."

Businesswire.co.nz

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