Is the current Labour Government anti-farming or just progressing agriculture towards a sustainable future?
Former Labour Cabinet Minister Steve Maharey spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay about the Government, saying it's not anti-farming but does need to be clear about its plans for agriculture.
"I think they're a pro-farming forthe future government and that's causing them a lot of stress and strain because they need to handle that really well."
Maharey says the although the Government is moving toward future farming, it needs to be careful not to seem negative about agriculture and to make sure it has a workable plan.
"I think the Greens in particular have to be really careful because they've been running lines for a long time which do sound as if they are just opposed to using our land to do what we do best."
"I think they're [the Government] about the future but the way they're explaining at the moment doesn't give a pathway forward that people feel comfortable with and that they can see how they can do things."
Also in today's interview: Steve Maharey discusses whether agriculture should be afraid of being included in the Emissions Trading Scheme and has a look at the world economy.
