"It was a useful discussion and we're happy that David Carter understands our case - he is a farmer, of course - and that he understands the value of irrigation in this district," Dr Macpherson said.
The Central Otago District Council had asked for the meeting to plead the case for Government support for a cluster of Central Otago irrigation schemes.
Several new schemes are planned, along with upgrades and expansions of existing schemes.
"We're also happy that he's acknowledged it's important to the Government that productivity be increased and of course, these schemes and enhancements to schemes would lead to that."
The meeting was the start of ongoing talks between the two parties about the issue "and that's what we had in mind, so we're encouraged by that", Dr Macpherson said.
