Federated Farmers says nothing for farmers in Budget

Federated Farmers said it was disappointed the government was not tightening its belt in the Budget as farmers were having to.

"We made it clear last week when we released our Budget wishlist that farmers aren't looking for a handout and are happy to stand on our own two feet," acting president Wayne Langford said.

The group asked for "'absolutely nothing" and the government had exceeded its expectations on that front with no new spending for farmers, Langford said.

See RNZ's full coverage of the 2023 Budget here

The organisation did want the government to stop the roll out of regulations it called impractical, unpragmatic, and unfair.

Langford said they were heaping costs on farmers and tying them up in red tape.

"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.

"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."

There was a "cost-of-farming crisis" with fertiliser costs up 28 percent fuel costs up 33 percent and interest rates up 45 percent.

"We're also under real pressure with staff costs, rate increases, and the impacts of general inflation", he said.

"As a farmer, all of your costs are heading up, but the price we are receiving for our produce is heading in the opposite direction. Farmers are getting squeezed in the middle and are struggling to turn a profit.

"This Budget does nothing to bring those costs down and is just going to lead to more tax, more inflation, and higher interest rates."