Land classification scheme
The Minister said the new land classification scheme was delayed because farming organisations had not agreed to contribute to its running costs, despite his view that it served producers’ interests.
I wish it had been introduced some months ago. We put a proposal to the farming organisations whereby the producer would contribute a very small amount to the running of that classification scheme. Unfortunately, they have not seen fit to agree to their contribution. The bringing in of that classification scheme has been held up because of that. We feel it is in the producers' own interests that there should be a classification scheme. Therefore, the producers should be willing to make some contribution. It is unfortunate that they have not agreed. I believe they should and will. The sooner the better.