Canterbury Economy Under Threat From Hot Air

North Canterbury Federated Farmers 21 May 2002

Canterbury's economy is under threat from the Government's commitment to Kyoto says North Canterbury Federated Farmers Provincial President Pam Richardson.

"Canterbury farmers are some of the most efficient producers in the world and already face significant competition from heavily subsidised agricultural trading nations, said Mrs Richardson. "I am concerned that if further costs are imposed on New Zealand farmers and the transport sector then competing on the world stage will be much more difficult."

Honouring Kyoto - the benefits and costs to New Zealand Agriculture is the theme of the conference. Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister Responsible for Climate Change has been asked to outline the Government's policy position on climate change, in particular the benefits and cost to New Zealand Agriculture of honouring Kyoto. Federated Farmer's policy analyst Jacob Haronga will outline the Federation's position on Kyoto.

North Canterbury Federated Farmers 57th annual conference will be held on Wednesday 22 May at the Sudima Hotel Grand Chancellor, Christchurch starting at 9:30am.

Other guest speakers include Clayton Cosgrove, MP discussing the benefits of trade liberalisation for agriculture. FFNZ Vice President Tom Lambie will address the importance of agriculture to the New Zealand economy. Stephen Cross from Contact Energy will discuss the commercial implications of NZ honouring the Kyoto Protocol.

ENDS

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