27 APRIL 2016

Call for Taskforce Green Workers to Continue Search for Pest Weed

In light of reports that the Ministry for Primary Industries has pulled support for the search for velvet leaf, New Zealand First is calling on Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy to use Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG) workers to continue the hunt.

“There was no mention of ending the search for the pest weed velvet leaf when we met senior Primary Industries officials in Wellington last week,” says Ria Bond, New Zealand First List MP based in Invercargill.

“Enhanced Taskforce Green, using Work and Income beneficiaries, is available after a localised adverse event, and a biosecurity incursion falls under that criteria.

“A single velvet leaf plant produces 17,000 seeds, which can remain viable for up to 50 years and even survive the digestion system of birds and mammals. The weed competes for nutrients and will cause significant crop yield loss for many years to come if it is not properly controlled.

“As farms are in the shoulder season it is busy but MPI seems to believe that volunteers and Federated Farmers will be able to do their job for them. The volunteers have done a great job but they’re only human and they do have day jobs.

“With 300 hectares still to be searched in Southland, farmers need MPI to be proactive not leave a job half done,” says Ria Bond.

ENDS

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