6 Nov 2013

DairyNZ boosts spend on environmental science

11:21 am on 6 November 2013

DairyNZ has announced its increasing the amount it spends on its environmental research.

It will spend $11 million this financial year - up from $6.7 million the year before - to meet its obligations under the Sustainable Dairying Water Accord.

That money will go towards farmer workshops on nutrient management, 13 regional catchment initiatives and analysis of the economic impacts of environmental policies.

At the launch of the accord this year, Prime Minister John Key said it's vital the country reaches the right balance between economic growth through agriculture and protecting the environement.

He said the Government had to set aside quarter of a billion dollars to clean up waterways over the next 20 to 30 years - which he said is hugely expensive for taxpayers.