He may be giving up the role of Opposition agriculture spokesman but Jim Anderton says he will continue to advocate for issues affecting farmers.


The Wigram MP and Progressive Party leader announced last week that he is handing over the role of Opposition agriculture spokesperson to Damien O’Connor.


“I want to give someone else the opportunity to get up to speed before next year’s election, given that I won’t be standing again,” says Anderton, who served as Agriculture and Forestry Minister in the last Labour-led Government.


“In my time remaining as an MP, I have decided to prioritise workable models for affordable dental treatment and the reform of alcohol legislation.”
A statement from Anderton’s office says he is seen as responsible for putting the farming sector back at the centre of the Government’s economic strategy after it had been demoted to a “sunset industry” by former administrations.


He created the Fast Forward Fund for the primary industry sector which saw a $700 million research and development fund established. It would have grown to $2 billion over 10 years.


The private sector was to match government funding dollar for dollar and investment interest earned would build the total fund.


However the National Government axed the Fast Forward Fund and replaced it with the Primary Growth Partnership.


Anderton claims that was a loss of over $2.5b for the productive, export earning sectors of the New Zealand economy.


“John Key hardly mentions agriculture. But if he thinks he can grow the New Zealand economy while ignoring the farming sector and by building cycle ways he’s dreaming.


“I will continue to advocate for agricultural issues,” says Anderton.