University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
The survey was conducted by Primary Purpose in early July, interviewing 1077 New Zealanders. Results found that 70% of New Zealanders say it is important that farmers and food producers reduce their emissions, with support stronger among urban audiences.
Nearly half (48%) believe farmers are doing well in managing emissions, while only 12% think they are performing poorly.
Waitaki MP and former sheep farmer Miles Anderson said that the public results were pleasing, but not a surprise to him.
"The farming community has been working hard to reduce its enviro footprint over the last 20 years," Anderson told Rural News.
"In a sense, farmers are environmentalists; they look after the environment in order to be able to grow or show anything and it will make their job so much harder otherwise. I think the survey reflects the fact that people understand that."
31% of those surveyed believe farmers are doing more to manage emissions than other industries, compared to just 8% who believe they are doing less.
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The public also places equal responsibility for emissions reduction on farmers/growers, government, and the food industry (all at 79%), ahead of consumers (64%).
Anderson said that as Kiwi consumers have many bills to pay besides groceries, many are very price conscious.
"It's been particularly tough over the last few years to make ends meet [and] the consumers who can are doing what they can. I'm not going to pass judgements on the end consumer and the position they make about how they spend their money."
Nevertheleass, he emphatically stressed the importance of New Zealand farming in maintaining low emissions via superior produce.
"We are not going to chuck out farming here, only to allow the same products to be produced offshore where they have a larger carbon footprint.
"I think the public understands that New Zealand already has one of, if not the lowest carbon footprints per kilo of product produced on farms in the world. People recognise that if we were to move production offshore where they have a larger carbon footprint, the environment would be worse."
Primary Purpose partner Marc Elliott says the results presents an opportunity for the primary sector to build on.
"The public clearly sees farmers as central to New Zealand's emissions challenge, but they also acknowledge the efforts underway.
"This is a significant opportunity for the primary sector to continue leading while building public trust.
"The findings suggest New Zealanders want a collaborative approach, with farmers, government, and the wider industry working together to meet climate goals."
