RICHARD Holmes believes that livestock farmers are being singled out, and indeed they are – favourably.
Farmers do not have to deal with their animals’ greenhouse gas emissions – that is subsidised by the forestry sector and the public. Although ruminant animals, not humans (or birds, as the environment minister appears to believe) are the major cause of water pollution in New Zealand, livestock farmers get higher nitrogen discharge allowances than other land users. Irrigation schemes that no private investor will back – no problem, someone else will pay.
All of these benefits contributed by others are capitalised into increasing rural land values (that farmers pay no capital gains tax on).
And finally, Mr Holmes, the Holocaust comparison you made in your letter was ridiculous and grossly offensive.
Greg Mann