increase font size
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor
The Government is backing what it says is the largest ever study on the sustainability of New Zealand’s farming sector, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced.
He says the $26.1 million programme will be the most comprehensive study of pastoral farming in New Zealand.
The Whenua Haumanu programme is being led by Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment and aims to enable farmers to make informed decisions on the financial and environmental benefits of adopting regenerative farming practices.
“New Zealand’s economic security depends on our primary sector, which this year earned us a record $53.3 billion in exports. Our future competitive edge in food and fibre will depend on demonstrating our sustainability credentials to ever more discerning consumers,” O’Connor says.
“The new Whenua Haumanu programme will study the whole pastoral farming system from field to fork.”
The Government will commit $17.6 million over the course of seven years through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund.
The programme will involve several research sites and bring together universities, Crown research institutes, and industry groups. Research partners include AgResearch, Lincoln University, and Dairy Trust Taranaki. Additional guidance will be provided by an End User Advisory Group comprised of the pastoral industry, iwi, investment and consumer groups.
Research sites include Massey University’s Dairy 1 farm, Massey University’s Pasture and Crop Research Unit, and Lincoln University’s Field Research Centre, with additional monitoring sites planned on some Pāmu farms and pastoral industry demonstration farms.
“This is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of our pastoral systems, both conventional and those incorporating regenerative farming practices,” O’Connor says.
He adds that the Whenua Haumanu programme is part of a broader coordinated work the Government is backing that aims to provide a robust evidence base to explore regenerative farming practices alongside conventional pastoral practices in both dairy cattle and sheep systems.
“In doing so it will also test claims that many of our conventional pastoral practices are already regenerative.
“One key aim of the programme is to investigate potential benefits of diverse pastures for grazing animals, as well as regenerative farming practices, as these have yet to be thoroughly studied for the New Zealand farming context.
“Developing a sound evidence base for what works well with our soils, climates, and farming systems will aid our efforts to transition to a more sustainable future for our food and fibre sector.
“Purchasing decisions by consumers in our export markets are increasingly being driven by their values. The work by Whenua Haumanu will help New Zealand tell the story of its food production so we can grow exports and deliver economic security.”
Some interesting and positive insights into the value of regenerative agricultural practices seem to be emerging from the early stages of a seven year science-based study comparing conventional farming and regen agriculture. Peter Burke reports...
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
OPINION: Seeds of legume plants are being used to make dairy-free milk products by scientists at Massey University’s Palmerston North labs.
"I just scratch my head in wonderment when people say to farmers, 'just change what you farm'."
A Massey University lecturer has devised a simple No. 8 wire device to help shed some light on how to improve the persistence of plantain in dairy farm pastures.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…
