Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has declared Northland's drought a medium-sized adverse event. See the government's announcement below:
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has today officially classified the drought conditions in Northland as being a medium-scale adverse event.
“This is recognition of the extreme dry conditions farmers and growers are facing, and triggers additional Government support,” says Mr Guy.
“Extra funding will now be available if required to coordinate support through local organisations like the Rural Support Trusts. In extreme cases there will also be Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) available to farmers in severe hardship.”
The announcement follows a request from local groups including the Northland Rural Support Trust and advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries who have been closely monitoring conditions.
“Farmers have been working hard and preparing for these conditions, but things are getting tough and there is little rain forecast for the next couple of weeks.
“There is significant soil moisture deficits, low pasture covers, low supplementary feed, and maize crops have struggled.
“Inland Revenue will also be exercising its income equalisation discretion to help provide flexibility and relief for drought-affected farmers.
“Many rural people can be reluctant to ask for help, but it is important for them to know that support is available.
“Once again this reinforces the importance of irrigation and water storage. Last year Crown Irrigation Investments announced $165,000 to scope irrigation scheme options in Northland, and in 2015 MPI contributed $75,000 towards a report examining the potential of irrigation here.”
“The Government is also keeping a very close eye on many parts of the East Coast of the North Island and supporting North Canterbury in their recovery.”
Mr Guy made the announcement today while visiting a dairy farm near Kerikeri.
Criteria for classifying a medium scale adverse event
· There are three levels of ‘adverse events’ – localised, medium and national. These can cover events like drought, floods, fire, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
· The criteria for assessing the scale of an adverse event are:
o Options available for the community to prepare for and recover from the event;
o Magnitude of the event (likelihood and scale of physical impact), and;
o Capacity of the community to cope economically and socially impact.
3 Comments
Federated Farmers say:
Federated Farmers says the Government’s decision to declare a medium scale adverse event in Northland is pragmatic and necessary.
The region is in the grip of its fifth drought in eight years, and farmers are increasingly seeking advice and help in what is rapidly becoming a distressing situation.
Federated Farmers’ Northland Provincial President John Blackwell says the situation definitely warranted action.
"The Northland Rural Support Trust is in no doubt; they have been through similar scenarios in recent years. From reviewing those past events, they’ve come to the conclusion that they could have intervened sooner," he says.
Mr Blackwell said the declaration would facilitate modest financial support towards counselling and advisory services with flexibility around tax for those worst affected.
"It’s reassuring that Inland Revenue will be exercising income equalisation discretion to help provide flexibility and relief for drought-affected farmers.
"Farmers expect to meet their tax obligations and some understandably may need help in the short-term.
"There are other things to think about, check your neighbours and look out for one another. A problem shared is better than keeping it to yourself. Get in touch with the rural support trusts, your bank managers, the vet and stock companies."
Farmers concerned about income streams and tax obligations should be considering a long term plan as the situation can escalate very quickly.
"If you haven’t already destocked you should be doing it now. Don’t hesitate, it will mean tougher decisions down the track if you leave it," John says.
Dairy farmers may be able to buy in feed and palm kernel in the short-term but for sheep farmers it may not be economically viable.
From next week the Federated Farmers 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) line will be available to connect farmers looking for feed and other support, with farmers who have it to sell.
Federated Farmers will work in partnership with StockX, an online trading platform, who have agreed to provide sale and purchase transactions at a reduced commission of 2% and classified listings for feed and grazing at $48.50 plus gst for two listings (that’s two for the price of one). It takes 15 minutes to register: www.stockx.co.nz or call 0800 327 646.
I don't doubt the minister's sincerity and it is a wee bit dry up here but talk about timing. National (who made promises to northland at the last election up here) has thrown a $40.7m lollipop our way by FINALLY announcing contracts to build three new bridges. And SURPRISE their construction is scheduled for the months before the next election.
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