KEY POINTS:
Federated Farmers launched its wish-list manifesto for the election, warning that decisions on key issues can be the difference between recession and depression.
The manifesto from the rural sector organisation which represents more than 26,000 farmers and workers covered emissions trading, genetic modification, research and local government.
The document says the economy is utterly dependent on primary industries, which account for 65 per cent of all exports. "At times like these, decisions on important issues as diverse as the [Resource Management Act], taxation, employment, water, climate change, biosecurity and local government funding, can be the difference between the current recession not descending into a depression," it says.
The agricultural sector generated $18.9 billion of gross revenue in the year ending March and made a direct contribution of 5 per cent of gross domestic product.
Federated Farmers says current climate change policies will impact adversely on the competitiveness and volume of agricultural exports and wants a renegotiation of the Kyoto Protocol to exempt all farm animal emissions.
"It is unjustifiable and inappropriate for the Government to bind New Zealand to emissions reduction commitments, and economic hardship, when the results will be negligible on a global scale," the manifesto said. "The world, with 80 million new mouths each year, needs more food, not less."
Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson said the three key priorities were to ensure the next government controlled its expenditure, put water storage on the list of infrastructure projects and allowed an exemption for farm animals from the Emission Trading Scheme."Farming is New Zealand's best bet to lift New Zealand's economic performance," he said.
The organisation had been disappointed with the muted response from political parties and a low level of recognition given to the sector in light of the current recession.
FEDERATED FARMERS MANIFESTO
Emissions Trading: Renegotiate Kyoto Protocol to exempt farm animal emissions.
Research, Science and Technology: Raise spending from 1.2 per cent to 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2029.
Resource Management Act: Full compensation for landowners if land use is restricted.
Local Government: Review Local Government Act 2002 and funding to define council core functions.
Trade: Conclusion of a comprehensive World Trade Organisation Doha round, including liberalisation of agricultural trade.
