Narrowing agricultural pathways not a smart idea
OPINION: Last week, Education Minister Erica Stanford sent a clear, but troubling message to New Zealand’s students: if you’re academically ambitious, agriculture might not be for you.
But the real question is not about reaching this target, it's about how we get there.
As a trading nation, our global reputation relies on our clean and green image. Achieving this requires not only bold policies and investment but a thoughtful approach that embraces our unique challenges and opportunities as an island nation.
One of the most significant recent developments the Government is steamrolling in is the Gene Technology Bill, a piece of legislation that could have damaging implications on our agricultural future.
During the select committee process, many agricultural stakeholders such as DairyNZ, the Meat Industry Association, Beef + Lamb NZ, NZ Winegrowers and farmers I've spoken with formally asked the Government for an extension on submission times to properly research and prepare their submissions on the Gene Technology Bill.
Yet, this Government has chosen to ignore these requests and continue to move through the parliamentary process to make this bill law.
There was also no cost-benefit analysis completed. This means the impact this bill could have on our export markets is largely unknown.
While the promise of the Gene Technology Bill is higher agricultural productivity and sustainability through solutions such as increasing crop yields, supporting mitigation of methane production, and creating drought-resistant crops, we must proceed with caution and be confident that we have done our homework.
If the Government truly believes farmers are the backbone of New Zealand's agricultural success, wouldn't they pause and ensure that the voices of farmers are heard? Any rushed bill risks creating unintended consequences, and with the risk of damage to New Zealand's long-held reputation as a world leader in sustainable and ethical farming, the stakes of this one are high.
Once enabled, genetic technologies are not easily reversed, and if not handled properly, they could potentially harm the very reputation we need to protect.
The idea that technology alone can solve all of agriculture's challenges might be appealing, but it's not good enough for this Government to rely on new technologies alone without considering the broader implications. This Government needs to take the time to consult thoroughly with farmers, industry leaders, and experts before rushing the bill through Parliament.
By listening to the concerns of those on the ground, we can ensure that the technologies we adopt today will benefit New Zealand's farmers, our environment, and our international reputation for generations to come. The future of New Zealand's agricultural success is not just about increasing the scale and value of production, it's how we produce it.
Jo Luxton is a Labour List MP and party spokesman on agriculture, biosecurity and rural communities.
