PM John Key embraces agriculture
Prime Minister John Key is at Fieldays showing his dedication to agriculture in New Zealand.
Prime Minister John Key was at Friday Fieldays to emphasise the importance of the agricultural industry to New Zealand.
“It’s the backbone of the country. Three quarters of everything New Zealand sells is grown on the land or taken from the sea,” Key said.
Asked if his government would declare a drought sooner next time, Key said the government’s assistance was minimal.
“It’s really just with Work and Income and some issues around taxation. While we could declare it earlier the benefits aren’t huge.”
Nathan Guy Minister for Primary Industries said the government usually waits for the regions to ask for support before providing anything.
“We seek advice from the likes of NIWA for soil mapping to check the moisture levels.
“It’s quite a complex process.”
When asked if the government would consider providing better support for farmers in a drought, Key said there would be difficulties with financing. He questioned whether a levy or payment scheme would be a solution.
“At the moment Federated Farmers is generally happy with where it’s at. ”
At a poll set up at the National Party stall, people were able to vote for the issue they find most important out of health, law and order, education, and economy. Key voted for the leading choice, the economy.
