Fonterra slammed in global environment ranking

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I was originally going to post about the Emmissions Trading Sceme after watching Rodney Hide's comments on Breakfast this morning.

But then this news story caught my eye.

A listing like this is awful news at any time, but is absolutely dire in the midst of a recession. The real issue isn't so much that Fonterra has been named on such a list, but the repercussions that may come later. Our countries clean and green image is a key component of our agriculture and tourism industries, and also tied into many of the other import and export industries in our country. We are known throughout the world as being concerned about the environment and the wellbeing of people. This listing attacks and degrades our good standing as a country in these areas.

Worse could be still to come if the clean, green image within our own country is exposed as a fraud internationally. Our agriculture industry, which our country relies heavily on, could be crushed by any international publicity regarding environmental or health issues. All it would take would be for major media to test the water from our streams and rivers for example. It was publicised yesterday that 20 farms in the Bay of Plenty have failed effluent checks for having serious breaches of effluent discharge regulations, effluent that is going into our waterways.

Another nightmare scenario could be a Jamie Oliver type celebrity investigating our agricultural exports and running a campaign against them, such as the recent free range chicken campaign in Britain. If farmers think we are immune to these types of investigation and scrutiny they may be in for a surprise. As the world becomes more informed about what they are eating, this type of scrutiny will become commonplace.

If we lose our agricultural good name we lose our economy as we have known it for 150 years. It is absolutely vital that farmers, farms and agricultural exporters are squeeky clean when it comes to the environment and health, more so considering our countries green image. This means some farmers and agricultural businesses will have to change from what is considered normal practice to safer and more sustainable practices.

Climate change is actually the least of agricultures worries in this context, a much more dangerous enemy to New Zealand's agriculture base is the perception that New Zealand agriculture base doesnt care. True or false if that message gets out, nothing will save our economy.

This brings huge responsibility onto the agriculture sectors shoulders. Responsibility that has yet to be acknowledged.

A new day, MMP, the politics of balance

Well we have a new Government. I'm not going to use this blog to comment particularly on my own personal opinions of members of this new government, or of the National, ACT or United Future party. I will leave that for other blogs.

Rather I felt its time to begin commenting on the changes that will happen and may happen. The good, the bad and yes even the ugly.

It struck me that this election was about balance, or the politics thereof , and MMP obviously encourages a balanced and representative government and parliament. It is my aim to try (and try is the key word, I will not always get this right) to offer a balanced view from somewhere left of center.

Hell, maybe I will fill some kind of bizarre gap among left commentators as they begin the self persecuation that will probably follow. I hope to be able to look at policy and issues in a rather objective light, not right, left or centrist but rather trueist and, more probably from another viewpoint. Of course as a paid Green Party member I will possibly tend to lean towards issues pertaining to this party, however my own interests are broad ranging from Agriculture to Education, Constitutional to Social. My other hope is that those from all spectrums of the political landscape will read my posts and comment on thier worth or lack thereof, and I intend to put my own view forward on other blogs from the spectrum.

Anyway, as we enter the Key era, an era which could be filled with great challenges, change and the posing of important questions for our country and its identity, I hope you will join me as we explore these issues, well some of them at least.

In three years it is John Key's intention to hold a referendum on MMP and our voting system. This is perhaps the most important referendum in many years as it affects all voting New Zealanders. This will be a major focus of this blog as we unravel the pros and cons, and the other choices. Where this will lead is anyones guess, but it should be at least informative.

I will be keeping this blog fairly minimilist, but if you want a blog linked just ask. Also do not expect hundreds of posts daily, I used to do that on a previous blog and it near killed me, one or two decent posts a day will probably be my lot.

Cheers from the Heartland,

Blocker