Federated Farmers South Canterbury president Jason Grant has defended farmers following the release of an Environmental Defence Society report and says profitable farms are the best thing for the environment in country like the Mackenzie Basin. Grant said some points raised in the report on the state of the environment in the Basin, which was published last week, are “delusional”. “The Mackenzie Basin does have a few challenges and I would say the biggest concerns are weeds, namely wilding pines and gorse, invasive pests, and erosion is another really big concern and always has been because of the nature of the soils,” Grant said. READ MORE:* Report proposes 'radical shift' to save Mackenzie Basin* Contentious Mackenzie District Council Plan Change 13 finally ready* Research required before Orari and Opihi proposals go ahead, Federated Farmers say“The profits from a lot of farms in the basin are really important to help combat some of the issues we are facing. John Bisset/Stuff Grant said the investment into the land by profitable farmers is the best thing for the environment.

Source: Stuff June 18, 2020 01:07 UTC