15 December 2014

Farmers' group congratulates environmentalists on success of Ruataniwha Dam appeal

The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group, which represents organic livestock farmers, is writing to the Forest and Bird Protection Society, Fish & Game and the Environmental Defence Society to congratulate them on the successful outcome of their High Court appeal against the way the Board of Inquiry into the Ruataniwha Dam made its decisions on nitrogen leaching from farms.

“Organic dairy farming has been scientifically proven to leach 50% less nitrogen than conventional dairying”, says ODPG Chair Bryan Clearwater. “Most of the difference is due to organic farmers planting mixed species pastures, which deliver less nitrogen to the cows, and absorb more of what is excreted.”

“Organic farmers are working hard to reduce their environmental impact, and so it was galling to see the Board of Inquiry give special favours to the dam proponents, when it seems they couldn't care less about reducing nitrogen pollution."

“The Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group is delighted that the appeal by the environmentalists against this potential miscarriage of justice was successful, and hopes it will set a good precedent for future decision-making on protecting fresh water resources”, said Mr Clearwater.

ENDS

© Scoop Media