Picker of battles
Geoffrey Young has no regrets as he reaches the endofhistermas Southland Federated Farmers president, writes
His sometimes controversial stance has occasionally raised eyebrows, but Geoffrey Young says he is making no apologies as his term as president of Southland Federated Farmers comes to an end.
Having dealt with public campaigns by environmental activists wanting to end intensive winter grazing and reduce cow numbers, as well as new firearms legislation, the rise of plant-based meat, and a wool price that was still stuck in the doldrums, Young said sticking up for farmers for the past three years had been almost a fulltime job.
Not to mention the work involved regarding new freshwater, climate change and indigenous biodiversity legislation, all of which was having an impact on farming.
‘‘I make no apologies for the things I have said and the things I have done,’’ he said.
‘‘At the end of the day if farmers, and those entrusted to work in their best interests, don’t stand up and say what they think is wrong, the Government and those in offices making the rules won’t know, and there will be no change.’’
A call for farmers to boycott some aspects of the freshwater rules by not applying for resource consents had led to some ‘‘strong discussions’’ with the Federated Farmers executive, and Environment Minister David Parker saw fit to remind Southland farmers that no-one was above the law. The Green Party’s environment and primary industries spokeswoman, Eugenie Sage,
labelled Southland Federated Farmers ‘‘irresponsible’’.
‘‘I felt very strongly about it because grassroots farmers were feeling angry and perhaps even a little bewildered at some of the changes that were being promoted,’’ Young said.
‘‘At least it got the issue out there and made people aware of some very important issues, because those new rules don’t just affect farmers. Down the line they will affect those living in our towns and cities as well.’’
And it hasn’t just been the Feds and Young that have taken action against changes the Government wants to make to farming.
During his time as president, several farmer activist groups have gained traction in his patch, including Ag Proud, 50 Shades of Green, the Rural Advocacy Network, and Groundswell NZ.
‘‘They [farmer groups] are arising out of frustration at the lack of strong leadership tackling central government on some of the most important issues farmers have faced in a century,’’ Young said.
‘‘But Federated Farmers certainly remains relevant. What people don’t see is all the hard work going on behind the scenes, working towards change. I believe there is room for us all,’’ he said.
During his term he had tried to be inclusive and work with as many people as possible, including Fish & Game and the environmental activists who were opposed to winter grazing.
‘‘We all want the same thing, that being clean waterways, and I believe farmers have done and are doing a great deal to achieve that.’’
Now he is also concerned about property rights as the
Government introduces the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity, under which councils will have to map significant natural areas on private land.
‘‘I have and would like to assist council with this work, but I am becoming increasingly concerned about where this information might end up and be used for,’’ Young said.
‘‘My major concern is around property rights and I
fear that with pressure from a handful of green activists we could be forced into retiring large areas of our farms.
‘‘The issue may need significant pushback on central government.’’
The Government delaying the new winter grazing rules by a year was counted as the biggest win during his term.
‘‘Common sense prevailed, and I hope farmers realise that they have been given a chance to prove that they can farm in an environmentally responsible manner this season,’’ he said.
‘‘Because if they don’t, those changes will be implemented and farmers will find themselves doing a lot more paperwork and less time out on the farm.’’
But that’s a battle for the future. At the moment, Young is looking forward to heading into the hills of his beloved Cattle Flat Station in northern Southland, and to spending more time with his family.
Young has not ruled out a return to a public role, although he’s remaining coy about what that could be.
‘‘I’m still not that comfortable with standing up in front of groups and public speaking, that sort of thing,’’ he said. ‘‘I prefer working with small groups and individuals.
‘‘I have a few things I’d like to do, and I might have a crack at something else, but it’s too soon to talk about that. I’m looking forward to going back to being a fulltime farmer.’’
On Friday, Southland Federated Farmers held its annual general meeting, at which Chris Dillon was announced as the new president.
‘‘At the end of the day if farmers, and those entrusted to work in their best interests, don’t stand up and say what they think is wrong . . . there will be no change.’’