“We are against a certain sort of farming, we are not against farmers or want farming to stop,” says Greenpeace’s agricultural campaigner, Genevieve Toop.
It concluded that “not only is intensive livestock farming endangering the health of our rivers, but the latest science says there is a chance it may be putting our health at risk.” Greenpeace was immediately attacked by Federated Farmers who described the report as “sensationist rhetoric and a misguided attack on the primary sector.” “This is Greenpeace doing a good job of what they do best – plenty of headlines and hyperbole.
Let’s be frank, those claims made about New Zealanders’ health being endangered due to livestock is extreme to say the least, said Chris Allen, Federated Farmers’ Water Spokesperson.
They supply water on an industrial scale and they need an industrial scale user and the only one is dairy.
The majority of the dams being built are for community water and security of supply for drinking water alongside irrigation," said Allen.
Making short films to support its campaigns is not new for Greenpeace, it has long been part of its strategy.
But the “Regenerators” video marks a subtle change in style.
He believes the high debt levels of many dairy farmers makes them very resistant to trying anything that might impact revenue in the short term.
Greenpeace’s Toop says farming leaders and the Government need to help farmers make the transition.
A recent OECD environmental report said dairy was pushing up against its environmental limits, I would say we are well over the limit.” Newsroom does not allow comments directly on this website.