Fertiliser Tax A Load Of Manure

Fertiliser Tax A Load Of Manure

A proposal by the Greens to tax fertiliser at $20 a tonne should be sent to the rubbish heap, says Ian Corney, Chairman of the Meat and Fibre Producers Section of Federated Farmers of New Zealand.

The proposal will add cost for no return to the New Zealand farming industry, and will have no impact on the environment.

"The New Zealand pastoral farming system is based around clover and minimal fertiliser use. The Greens should be proud of how New Zealand farmers use the sun's energy to support our livestock industries," said Mr Corney.

"If the Greens idea proceeds it will add about $10,000 to the cost of running my farming operations. This is a cost which cannot be passed on to the end user, as farmers sell into international markets, Mr Corney said.

New Zealanders are already heavily taxed and the imposition of another impost will do nothing but suck money out of rural communities and undermine the competitiveness of New Zealand farming," he said.

"Farmers use fertiliser to supply a defined nutrient needed for healthy growth of grass and crops that are the backbone of the New Zealand economy.

"The most efficient use of the sun's energy is achieved through the careful application of the correct amount of fertiliser. Therefore farmers using science-based nutrient management models apply only the nutrients needed for optimum plant growth. Adding in a tax will not change the science," said Mr Corney.

ENDS

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