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Media Release |
8 April 2004
Flood and storm programme aims for flexibility
Farmers, growers and foresters who think they may be eligible for relief under the Agricultural Recovery Programme can now apply to MAF for assistance.
The Minister of Agriculture, Jim Sutton has just released the operational details of the programme. To receive an application form, farmers can contact either MAF or one of the local farmers appointed as Agricultural Recovery Facilitators.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is implementing a flexible two-stage response process in order to meet the differing needs of flood and storm hit farmers in the lower North Island.
Agricultural Recovery Facilitator (Programme Administrator), Lynette Wharfe says the process is designed to be accessible, simple and user-friendly.
She says the two stage process is being implemented in order to provide certainty for those affected as soon as possible.
The first stage of the process involves assessing applications for eligibility while the second stage focuses on the payment process.
“Farmers will only need to be assessed once but may have a number of receipts over a number of months. For instance, a cropping business may not undertake recovery work, such as crop re-establishment, and receive invoices until the end of 2004 and possibly into 2005.”
All applications will be registered with MAF. They will then be considered by local facilitators and assessment committees, which will be representative of the rural communities.
The facilitators and assessment committee will also consider payment
requests,
while the payment will be made by MAF. There will be an opportunity for farmers
to appeal any decisions made.
MAF has recently appointed Kelly Coghlan as Forestry Recovery Facilitator to work specifically with foresters affected by the storm event. Foresters can contact Kelly on 0274 488 067.
Farmers, growers and foresters can email floods@maf.govt.nz , visit www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/emergency-management/2004-floods/index.htm or post to Agricultural Recovery Programme, PO Box 2526, Wellington to request an Application Form.
Ends
For further information contact Lynette Wharfe, Agricultural Recovery Facilitator (Programme Administration), Tel 04-474-4149, mob 027-620-6379, or Debra Harrington, MAF Communications, Tel 04-498-9613 or mob 021-714-111.
