Damien O’Connor
Agriculture spokesperson

18 November 2010 Media Statement

Agricultural sectors must work together

Agriculture needs a united voice and strong leadership Labour’s agricultural spokesman Damien O’Connor says.

“Speaking at the Federated Farmers conference and talking to delegates their frustration is obvious. The sector has the ability to take New Zealand forward out of the recession but it needs a strategy and structure to make this work.

“One industry body one would have a better chance of generating support for that growth plan from both Government and the wider public.

“Federated Farmers does an excellent job as does Rural Women, Horticulture New Zealand, Dairy New Zealand, Beef and Lamb, the CRI’s, the agricultural academia to name a few. Unfortunately as individual sector voices they have been largely ignored.

“The sector is far too important for that to continue.

“Labour is committed to building a unified voice for farmers and structures that maximise returns for them and the country.

“That requires the kind of leadership that this National Government has failed to deliver.

“Formation of a single representative body for the agricultural and horticultural sectors will be the priority for the next Labour led Government,” said Damien O’Connor

ENDS

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