ACT's Message To Farmers: Stand Firm

Friday 29 Aug 2003 Gerry Eckhoff Press Releases -- Rural -- ACT Rural Website

ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today said the Labour Government's retreat over the ridiculous Flatulence Tax - as reported to him from many sources - is now accelerating in an attempt to head off next Thursday's farmers rally at Parliament.

"Labour's U-turn is evident through both official level contact with farmers, and at a Ministerial level," Mr Eckhoff said.

"Government officials are suggesting that the $800,000 voluntary research into climate change through Fonterra and Meat New Zealand be upped to replace the levy. They have also indicated that the $8.4 million is higher than the amount needed - which maybe as low as $4 million.

"Farmers will not fall for the nonsense that the Flatulence Tax be replaced by an effectively higher farmer levy through Fonterra and Meat New Zealand.

"They need only stand firm, and the poll-driven Labour Government will be forced to find the required funding from existing research reserves that are avaliable from the sale of the farmers own carbon credits," Mr Eckhoff said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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