We’re writing today to remember Steve Cranston.

Steve was Groundswell’s emissions spokesman, an ardent advocate for the grassroots farmer, and a good friend.

Steve’s funeral was yesterday, and we’ve heard so many accounts of how important he was to so many people.

Steve was an amazing man who was never put off by being in a minority. He did his own due diligence, took into account what others thought, came to his own conclusions, and stood steadfastly for what he thought was right, honest, and fair.

He loved the agriculture industry and was frustrated by anyone who claimed to be speaking on behalf of the industry without consulting the grassroots food producers to see what they thought.

Steve helped many of us advocating on behalf of the grassroots food producer to understand the science behind agricultural emissions and where governments and other groups were getting things wrong.

His work has been essential to the progress we have seen on policy campaigns, like turning back the Farming Tax and He Waka Eke Noa, by bringing a scientific rigour to holding the politicians and the traditional agriculture advocacy bodies accountable.

He was a man you would always want on your team.

It has been a pleasure to know and work with Steve, he is already deeply missed.

Thank you again for your support.

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Kind regards,

Bryce, Laurie, Mel and the Team at Groundswell NZ