Federated Farmers drought line to be reactivated

Federated Farmers has welcomed the Government’s rapid response today, to declare the Gisborne/Wairoa region to be in a small scale adverse event. The Federation is also reactivating its 0800 drought line (0800 376 844).

“Due to a La Nina weather pattern, Federated Farmers had hoped a third consecutive drought would be avoided this year on East Cape. Instead, conditions have deteriorated over the autumn so that pasture growth is now severely stunted,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Federated Farmers’ adverse events spokesperson.

“Hamish Cave, Federated Farmers Gisborne/Wairoa president and chair of the Gisborne/Wairoa drought committee, deserves a lot of credit for getting this Government support. East Coast farmers just don’t ask for assistance unless it’s absolutely needed.

“The autumn rains did not materialise and that is key to getting pasture to grow. This shows just how important water storage infrastructure is to farming and the ball must start rolling on that front.

“East Coast farming is dominated by sheep and beef. Given returns for meat are finally starting to look up, drought assistance will be invaluable to farmers as it will enable them to keep their capital stock. Retaining capital stock is vital to get farms back into full production,” Mr Brenmuhl added.

The Gisborne/Wairoa drought is classified as a small-scale adverse event. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s (MAF) decision to declare it today, enables specific recovery and support measures. MAF will provide farm advisory, social support and budgeting advice through the Rural Support Trusts. Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development will be able to offer the following support:

Initial clean-up
Task Force GreenAffected individuals are able to apply for the labour assistance scheme Taskforce Green for initial clean up. This is via the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).MSD

Business assistance
Late election of provisional tax estimatesInland Revenue (IRD) accepts late estimates of provisional tax from those significantly affected by an adverse event. IRD
Adverse Events Income Equalisation SchemeEnables individuals who have money deposited in the income equalisation scheme to make an early withdrawal or deposit funds arising from forced sale of livestock. IRD
Additional flexible tax provisionsIRD can also look at late payment and late filing of tax and tax outstanding. IRD

Individual and family support
Emergency Unemployment BenefitThis is available for employees for whom work (and income) is not available for a short period. Income and asset tests apply.MSD
Seasonal Work AssistanceThis provides financial assistance (up to $680 in a 26 week period) to workers who are unable to work (and lose income), due to poor weather conditions. Income and asset tests apply.MSD
Special Needs Grants, Recoverable Assistance ProgrammeThese are usually to meet a one-off need and are discretionary, based on individual circumstances for example, a food grant. MSD

“Federated Farmers 0800 drought line (0800 376 844) will provide additional support to farmers in Gisborne/Wairoa.

“In addition to providing the normal member services, such as general advice and access to legal and other services, 0800 376 844 will help put people who need feed in touch with those that have feed for sale. The list of feed suppliers will be accessed from the Federated Farmers website and the list will be updated regularly. Additionally, the Gisborne/Wairoa provincial team will be on the ground to assist members where they can.

“It’s fair to say the meteorological picture is erratic. Aside from Gisborne, we know that Provincial Presidents are reporting that inland parts of the Wairarapa along with the Hawke’s Bay are extremely dry for this late in autumn. Other provinces in the North Island are thought to be a similar way.

“It’s more like a collection of micro droughts as some parts within a region are okay but other parts are parched. There’s just no one discernable pattern,” Mr Brenmuhl concluded.