Permit to farm leaves food producers gutted

Farmers today said they were completely gutted by an Environment Court decision that will require Taupo farmers to seek a permit to farm.

The response comes in light of an Environment Court decision on appeals against Environment Waikato’s Lake Taupo variation.

Environment spokesman for Federated Farmers, Lachlan McKenzie said it is like needing a permit to dig a vegetable garden.

“This decision means all farmers in the Taupo area will need planning permission just to farm. This turns on its head the fundamental human right to grow food,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Clearly the Resource Management Act has become so skewed towards environmentalism the Act’s purpose of sustainable management has been lost sight of. Sustainability of course includes economic, social and cultural aspects as well as the environmental side.

“I am deeply concerned the decision will set a precedent for other parts of the country without just cause.

“This is a test for the new government. They must prove they back economic development or we will see the economy backbone contract at the very time it needs to expand,” said Mr McKenzie.