Farmers’ group threatens ‘dramatic steps’

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 3

Farmers’ group threatens ‘dramatic steps’

PA Nelson A group of Nelson farmers has threatened vigilante-style tactics if finance companies take over unprofitable farms in the district. Mr Mike Curnow, a Motueka beef farmer, said yesterday that farmers had been forced to take “dramatic steps” to help fellow farmers hit by crippling interest rates, poor returns, and high costs. If finance . companies took over farms offered through mortgagee sales these farms would be targeted by his pressure group, he said.

He declined to give specific details of what tactics would be used but said an example could be leaving gates open on farms. “We will know where these farms are and will try to stop them being farmed.” He said a solid support group was behind him and since a radio report yesterday morning he had had supportive telephone calls. Mr Curnow said the public might view the actions as unneccessary but it was obvious that something had to be done, “as |he Government is not prepared to help.” .He accused finance companies of buying farms to sell at a profit in the future. He said a South Canterbury farmer (had recently been forced ' to sell and a finance com- ‘ pany had taken over. ; When it sold the farm the ;new owner was offered : much better mortgage ! terms, he said. ■ Mr Curnow predicted ■that the next six months ; would be vital to farmers, ;some of whom were on :the brink of going under. ; Nelson Federated ; Farmers’ vice president, !Mr Warwick Inwood, said [breaking the law was not : condoned by his organisattion. He agreed that interest ‘rates were a big problem • but said negotiations could lead to a review of payments if farmers got into desperate financial trouble. The exact number of farmers on the brink of forced sale was not clear. “It would only be a small percentage.” Mr Inwood said outsiders might accuse Federated Farmers of acting too slowly but a lot of behind-the-scenes work had to be done.