The Budget exceeded the expectations of Federated Farmers.
“Federated Farmers asked for ‘absolutely nothing’ in this year’s Budget, and it’s safe to say the government has exceeded our expectations on that front with no new spending for farmers,” said acting president Wayne Langford.
Last week the Feds released its Budget wish list, noting that farmers were not looking for a handout.
The Budget contained funding for roading repairs, electric vehicle charging stations in rural communities, school upgrades and nurses.
However, Langford said a request for the government to stop imposing costly, impractical, unpragmatic and unfair regulations was not recognised.
“We’re still waiting for them to deliver on that second request but hope we will see some movement soon because farmers can’t afford to wait.”
Langford said fertiliser costs are up 28%, fuel costs 33%, and interest rates up 45%.
“We’re also under real pressure with staff costs, rate increases, and the impacts of general inflation,” he said.
While costs are rising, product prices are not keeping pace and he said the Budget does nothing to bring those costs down but will instead lead to high tax, inflation and interest rates.
“Farmers are having to tighten our belts, count every penny and live within our means at the moment, and it’s disappointing to see the government aren’t doing the same.
“Government spending is now $61 billion higher than it was six years ago, and the budget estimates spending will double from the period 2017 to 2027.”
Farmers want a government that will reduce red tape and Langford said Federated Farmers will be calling on all political parties to announce how they plan to do that in the lead-up to October’s General Election.
