Agriculture Agency, Federated FARMERS

FROM THE SITE:

What's New
Adverse events update

Supporting you when you need us most

Earthquakes, heavy snow, floods, storms and volcanic eruptions all have one thing in common - the potential to ruin everything you have worked for over the years.

The extreme effects of nature are a fact of life in New Zealand. These events can happen quickly and without warning or compassion.

Over the years the Federation has played an increasingly important role in working with district councils and Government to coordinate help and resources.

Our most successful responses have been in those areas where there are good networks, branches and a Rural Support Trust.

Set up by Federated Farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Rural Support Trusts provide assistance to rural communities in times of hardship, including during adverse events such as drought and floods.

The Rural Support Trusts can provide services such as:

* Co-ordinating an initial response to an adverse event.
* Helping farmers decide on business options.
* Acting as advocates for financial assistance.
* Providing stress management services (or making referrals if appropriate).

Contact information for the Trusts: http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/ruralsupporttrusts

Canterbury earthquake 2011 - If you have been affected by the current Canterbury earthquake Federated Farmers wishes to offer our support. This applies to members and non-members alike. Can the media please assist by promoting 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) as well as email mail @ fedfarm.org.nz, given emails seem to be getting through.

Immediate damage assessment
We understand the earthquake has struck very close to Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour but Federated Farmers lacks hard information at this juncture. We have initial concern for grain silos based on the last earthquake.

We need to get an initial assessment of damage and this is being coordinated through our Hamilton office. The first priority is the preservation of life. Emergency services should be called in the first instance. Federated Farmers wishes to ascertain infrastructure damage so we can best work with service providers (power, telecommunications, water as well as road transport).

Getting in touch with Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers has issued a tweet, has sent a text message to all North Canterbury members and is issuing this Member Advisory as some emails are getting through. If members are able to report damage, or need non-life threatening support, please dial:

0800 327 646 (this will manned 24 hours) or mail@fedfarm.org.nz

Please check your neighbours
It is important to check on your neighbours to see if they are alright.

Federated Farmers Christchurch office is closed until further notice
Federated Farmers Christchurch office is closed due to damage until further notice, but there have been no physical injuries to staff.

Telecommunications
The mobile phone companies have informed us that some network sites have been badly damaged and are not working and others are operating on battery back up power. To minimise the stress on the network and to conserve back-up power we ask people to only use their phones for emergency calls. Alternatively please use text in preference to voice.

Fact Sheets and Information Resources for Farmers:

http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/earthquake10