'Extreme climatic event'Drought decision to help stressed farmers
23:00 Wed Feb 27 2013
AAP
The government has declared a state of drought in Northland (TV NZ)
Federated Farmers say the Northland drought declaration is invaluable for stressed farmers, showing them that they're not alone.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy made the declaration on Wednesday following weeks of dry weather, a declaration which means farmers have access to a range of relief measures and financial aid.
Federated Farmers Northland president Matt Long said the declaration wasn't about handouts, saying very few farmers would qualify for the rural assistance payments.
"What it means is that organisations like the Rural Support Trust Northland can now coordinate and deliver farm advisory and counselling services.
"As this is a highly stressful time for farmers and their families, access to counselling services is invaluable."
Mr Long recommended farmers speak to their bank manager following the declaration.
"This declaration confirms how bad things are and by keeping your bank fully informed they will work with you.
"What I want farmers to know is that they are not alone."
Mr Guy said the declaration of a medium scale event was appropriate.
"What I saw today was a bit like walking out on a desert, so it's not going to turn around easily," Mr Guy told Radio New Zealand.
"It's going to take a decent drop of rain and then some decent follow-up rains to ensure we can get the pasture growing again."
Waikato farmers were due to meet later in the week to discuss if they required a drought declaration, while Hawke's Bay could face a similar situation next week.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy made the declaration on Wednesday following weeks of dry weather, a declaration which means farmers have access to a range of relief measures and financial aid.
Federated Farmers Northland president Matt Long said the declaration wasn't about handouts, saying very few farmers would qualify for the rural assistance payments.
"What it means is that organisations like the Rural Support Trust Northland can now coordinate and deliver farm advisory and counselling services.
"As this is a highly stressful time for farmers and their families, access to counselling services is invaluable."
Mr Long recommended farmers speak to their bank manager following the declaration.
"This declaration confirms how bad things are and by keeping your bank fully informed they will work with you.
"What I want farmers to know is that they are not alone."
Mr Guy said the declaration of a medium scale event was appropriate.
"What I saw today was a bit like walking out on a desert, so it's not going to turn around easily," Mr Guy told Radio New Zealand.
"It's going to take a decent drop of rain and then some decent follow-up rains to ensure we can get the pasture growing again."
Waikato farmers were due to meet later in the week to discuss if they required a drought declaration, while Hawke's Bay could face a similar situation next week.
COPY http://news.msn.co.nz
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