It seems that our Labour government is still apparently intent on destroying the productivity of our agricultural sectors with more rules and regulations that are not fit for purpose and which will only take away some of the security from our ability to produce food.
New Zealand currently produces enough food to feed 40 million people a year; has the productive land capacity to produce much more; and has the reputation of having the most environmentally sound methods of production of any country around the globe.
Given the situation in Europe with Russia having started a war with Ukraine and the looming food shortages as a consequence, we should be looking to maximise our production to help ensure food security on a global scale.
This should not mean that we ignore our environmental responsibilities in relation to climate change but given our best practice environmentally sound methods of production currently in use we are in a position where New Zealand can and should, in compliance with article 2b of the Paris Accord, take measures to:
Increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production