Weed control should still go on

Press, 15 June 1979, Page 10

Weed control should still go on

In spite of the reduction in subsidy, farmers should still continue with noxious weed removal programmes, Mr D. G. Reynolds, chairman of the Canterbury Regional Noxious Plants Co-ordinating Committee, said this week.

The reduction in subsidy announced on May 31 would naturally upset farmers who were carrying out programmes with financial assistance from the Government.

“The reduction in subsidy will prompt a negative response from some farmers. Hopefully a positive attitude will prevail and farmers Will carry on with spraying programmes,” he said. Mr Reynolds said a farmer leaving an area affected by noxious weeds would spend more in the long run.

It was a bit like a stitch in time saving nine, he said. Mr Reynolds said as the cost of sprays and equipment was bound to increase, it would be cheaper to do the work now, not later.

Those involved in administering the regulations were well aware of the need to ensure continuity of programmes. The Noxious Plants Council, and regional authorities, would be doing as much as possible to have

the 75 per cent subsidy reinstated. Although the amount had

been reduced the subsidy offered by Government was still very useful, he said.