National News> Media Releases

18 June 2007

PRIMARY SECTOR COMMITMENT TO FRESHWATER ?

Fish & Game New Zealand compliments Federated Farmers for working towards responsibility for the adverse effects of intensive agriculture on New Zealand’s freshwater during the Federation’s Freshwater Science Forum beginning today [Tuesday 19 June].

The Federated Farmers hosted science forum for primary sector leaders, government representatives, and scientists will discuss research on water quality, and future directions for research. Federated Farmers advise that the forum, on June 19 and 20 in Wellington, will see participants discuss the way forward for the agricultural industry, and agree to outcomes and timeframes to work towards.

“Fish & Game welcomes the Federations initiative, and challenges the primary sector to take this opportunity to agree on realistic targets and timeframes, and commit to achieving them on the ground,” said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive, Fish & Game New Zealand. “We have had plenty of rhetoric in the past, including ‘more education leads to voluntary change’, and ‘the need for more research and development of technical solutions’. This has been prevarication and denial of responsibility. We know what the problem is and we know how to fix it. We look forward to a commitment to implementing what we already know.

“New Zealanders will take a fresh and respectful look at intensive agriculture if the forum generates real and positive commitments within timeframes that recognise the urgency of the situation and respects the wider public’s interest in clean natural water.”

ENDS

For more information:

Bryce Johnson

Chief Executive Fish & Game New Zealand

021 397 897