Agriculture Minister David Carter says many farmers in the Upper Waitaki region are worried about a proposal for intensive dairy farming in the area.
Tourism, farming and environmental groups are objecting to plans for farming operations in the Ohau-Omarama area, which would house 17,000 dairy cows indoors for part of the year.
Mr Carter, Associate Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, and Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, visited the district on Sunday.
He says farmers they spoke to are concerned about the environmental impact of the proposals and their effect on New Zealand's farming reputation.
