6. Question No. 6—AgricultureSUZE REDMAYNE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 6—Agriculture6. SUZE REDMAYNE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister of Agriculture: What actions has the Government taken to support the Primary sector?Hon TODD McCLAY (Minister of Agriculture): Last Thursday I declared drought conditions for the top of the South as a medium-scale adverse event to give farmers certainty. Conditions on the ground across Marlborough Tasman and Nelson districts are extremely dry and likely to get worse in the coming months. On Monday I visited the region to meet with farmers and growers and was told that day-to-day conditions on the ground are extremely tough and they are particularly concerned about access to stock or feed and water. This declaration unlocks further support for farmers and growers including tax and Ministry of Social Development support and is on top of the $20000 that the Minister for Rural Communities the Hon Mark Patterson and I made available to the Top Of The South Rural Support Trust last month.Miles Anderson: How is the Minister supporting dry conditions elsewhere in New Zealand?Hon TODD McCLAY: Well whilst the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd is indicating that no other region is yet in a meteorological drought I'm aware that many regions have had extended periods of very dry conditions. For farmers this comes on top of financial pressures arising from input-cost increases increased rate rises and reduced incomes associated with low commodity prices. Therefore I've instructed officials to update me daily on conditions around the country. I'm particularly concerned about the Canterbury and Otago regions as I am hearing that for some farmers they're already at 100 percent supplementary feed levels. Unless conditions improve considerably in the coming days I expect to make further announcements.Dana Kirkpatrick: How is the Government supporting farm productivity levels?Hon TODD McCLAY: Well last week I announced a partnership which will help New Zealand's pastoral farmers save $332 million per year in productivity losses by eliminating the significant impact of facial eczema. Facial eczema affects farm productivity levels by reducing growth rates fertility and production and can cause animal welfare concerns. This programme will provide farmers with practical tools and solutions so they can get on with the job of providing the safe high-quality food that New Zealand is so well known for. The Government is co-funding this $20 million project with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to ensure New Zealand's farmers remain world best.Tim van de Molen: What else has he announced to support New Zealand farmers?Hon TODD McCLAY: Well we're investing in a further seven catchment groups across the Waikato Bay of Plenty Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa to ensure farmers and growers have the on-the-ground resources they need to achieve better environmental outcomes. Catchment groups led by farmers and community members do significant work across the country to sustainably achieve common goals improve farm practices and to share best-practice information. It's vital we support local farmers' efforts to improve land management practice and water quality measures and the coalition Government's investment of $3.3 million will deliver better outcomes for rural New Zealand.