Water Storage Grant Expansion Boost For Farmers
March 16th, 2009
The expansion of the Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) enabling local authorities to apply for rural water storage grants represents a significant boost for farmers. FedFarmers water spokesperson, Hugh Ritchie, says the Govt decision to expand the eligibility and assessment criteria of the CIF will add another string to the bow to support farmers. “On the back of water storage figuring high on the agenda at the recent jobs summit, any support to boost rural water storage is vital.”
Economic opportunity. He says the decision is recognition when there is a lack of rain or snow to provide water for irrigation there is a lack of the means to store it in most parts of the country. “The negative economic impacts of drought are well-known by farmers and economists and a repeat of last year’s drought, which tipped the economy into recession, would be a major blow.” He adds boosting water storage is an economic opportunity NZ cannot afford to miss. “…water storage equals economic growth and transformation.”
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