Farmers and agricultural companies are ramping up support for those in Christchurch city and the outlying suburbs.

A support team comprising of Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, Federated Farmers and independent contractors has started pumping much needed water, food and supplies into the suburban areas of the city.

So far, around half a million litres of water have been delivered to support sites around the region, brought in by Fonterra’s rail supply network.

Several huge tankers have been donated to the cause by the dairy co-op, with independent companies Bleeker Contracting and Raymond Hart supplying tanks to the effort as well.

Stephen Bleeker, of Bleeker contracting, says it’s still important for residents to boil the water even though it’s thought to be potable. 

Silver Fern Farms has made their Islington reservoir, with a capacity of more than 300 thousand litres, available for public extraction, as well as investigating other options for supply into the city.

Silver Fern CEO Keith Cooper says there was never any hesitation once they knew what was needed.

"We have two food processing facilities which use a lot of water, and both are not operating at the moment due to staff being let off to handle personal issues.

"That’s enabled us to free up our boar water supply which is all treated and we’ve made it available to various operators to deliver it around Christchurch." 

Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson John Hartnell says the response from Ag service firms has been overwhelming. 

Federated Farmers CEO Conor English says the efforts to co-ordinate show the rural services industry is determined to help in any way it can.

"We’re not aware of too much damage out in the countryside.

"What we’ve been doing is providing water with Fonterra and also providing accommodation.

"We’ve got a number of farmers who have provided beds in their houses and we’ve also organised rugby club room that have toilets, showers and shelter and food.

"So we are pulling all of that together and working with the Red Cross and Civil Defence to get that happening as soon as possible."

Federated Farmers, working with the rural communities, has set up an accommodation network near the city with a capacity of around 1000 beds, along with clean water, power and sanitation.

The Federation is encouraging anyone who can provide accommodation to those whose homes have been damaged to call their 24 hour helpline 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).