Farmers as custodians of the land for future generations are committed to environmental stewardship, says Federated Farmers Vice President Tom Lambie.

Mr Lambie was present at the registration of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust's 1500th open space covenant on Graeme and Christine Henriksen's property near Pleasant Point.

The QEII National Trust assists private landowners protect areas of forest, wetlands, and geological features in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy without jeopardising the rights of ownership.

"Allowing biodiversity to be part of the farm management decision making process is one of the key reasons why farmers are fully supportive of the QEII Trust. The voluntary nature of Trust does not devalue the importance of the farming but in fact recognises that biodiversity can be an integral part of the business.

"At a time when farmers are feeling increasing pressure from leisure groups and local bodies seeking to impose their urban aesthetic ideals, it is rewarding to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Trust at a property with three QEII covenants.

"Farmers are a vital component of conservation. The success of the QEII Trust illustrates the importance of meaningful consultation with landowners to determine how particular sites are to be protected.

"The Federation continues to push for amendment to the Resource Management Act to explicitly recognise property rights and continues to lobby government for better funding of biodiversity initiatives including the QEII Trust to move away from regulatory mechanisms."

ENDS

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