Frank Brenmuhl: Rules a good way to strangle cash cows

Opinion

This is a wake-up call to decision-makers. I want them to realise how much dairying adds to the economy and to understand that many people's incomes and livelihoods depend on this industry.

Above all, I want these urban-based decision-makers to stop seeing dairying as - pardon the pun - a cash cow that needs more rules and regulations.

Many pressures on dairy farmers today stem from central, regional and local government complying with the desires of an urban electorate largely ignorant of rural issues.

A recent Environment Court mediation process highlights this, with Federated Farmers again defending the right of farmers to farm.

In this particular case, we were defending the right to farm animals of dairy origin.

Selwyn District Council had proposed a rule that would exclude all animals of dairy origin from a 20m strip bordering any waterway for any new or expanded dairy farming operation.

This rule was aimed at the dairy industry because of a submission from Fish and Game that echoed its campaign attacking dairying.

The proposed rule was not about managing the effects on the environment, water quality or intensification of land use. It was simply a desire by the council to appease Fish and Game.

At the Environment Court mediation, the council was supported by Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation and Forest and Bird. The fact that farmers pay taxes to pay for the actions of DoC and rates to pay for the actions of the regional and local councils, was not lost on us.

Landowners are being forced to defend themselves and their property rights in court against the ignorance, greed and resources of the state.

When this happens in Zimbabwe, we call it state theft. What should we call it here in New Zealand; state theft?

DoC is funded to participate in the RMA process, even though its land and activities are exempted by the Act and go "unregulated" by councils.

Throughout the plan development process, DoC pressures councils to regulate how farmers farm their land. If DoC fails to persuade the council, then taxpayer funds are often used to appeal the plan.

But wait, it gets worse. An appeal to the Environment Court also means costs for councils. So ratepayers must pay to defend their right to decide on local issues in their plans.

This often results in farmers losing the use of land or property rights and no compensation is paid. Is that not theft?

But it's not just DoC. It's also Fish and Game. Like Doc, Fish and Game is the responsibility of the Minister of Conservation.

For some time, it has been building funds far in excess of its operating costs and refusing to discharge its obligations to control game birds that feed on pasture grown by farmers.

At what point will it be held to account for failing to do the things it was set up to do, and so reduce the cost to farmers of paying for the hobbies of others?

That said, I'm advised that Fish and Game has in recent times adopted a more sensible and less antagonistic approach in its public comments on farming and waterways. I hope to see similar progress in the management of Canada geese.

Recent scientific evidence about dairying is certainly very encouraging, as it suggests that dairy farming is not damaging the environment in the manner stated by Fish and Game. That's a win for farmers and recreationalists.

Everyone leaves a footprint on the environment. The question is whether the cost of that footprint is acceptable.

New Zealand has enjoyed an economic growth rate of 3.6 per cent over the past six years. The bounty of this has been increased equity for property owners, increased employment and higher wages.

This would not have happened if the dairy industry had not increased milk production by 33 per cent during this period.

The primary sector contributes about 16.5 per cent of GDP, up from 14 per cent in 1986, with the dairy sector making up about a third of that

* Frank Brenmuhl is chairman of Dairy Farmers of New Zealand. This is an edited version of the speech he gave to the organisation's council meeting in Christchurch last week.