18 April 2002

Federated Farmers President Alistair Polson is outraged by suggestions the Federation has misled its members about the effects of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change.

"The Federation's climate change consultation with its members has been based on the best information available to us," said Mr Polson.

"In the absence of the Government's preferred policy position the Federation like other industry groups has had to identify realistic options in order to quantify the impacts of climate change. This is evidenced by the plethora of reports commissioned by both the public and private sector.

"While the Government does not support a behaviour changing tax aimed at reducing livestock emissions, they have not ruled it out as an option in the future. However, farmers are well aware that the Government is likely to impose a tax on farmers to fund research into reducing livestock emissions.

"The Federation remains committed to providing the best possible information to its members. Our members take this issue very seriously as they deal with climate change on a daily basis.

"The Federation is not advocating inaction on climate change, but we will not support the Government's intent to ratify the protocol when alternative solutions with potentially better outcomes for New Zealand are yet to be considered."

ENDS

© Scoop Media