2. What does it mean to be a sustainable farmer in New Zealand?

Being a sustainably farmer in New Zealand involves adopting practices that balance environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social well-being. While also having a strong attachment to place, selling locally, using good management practices, and organic/regenerative/biodynamic farming practices as traits of 'good farming'.

We heard talk on this while at the Lincoln Dairy Farm and at the Otega Winery. In New Zealand they pride themselves on being certified organic with healthy soil biome and having great water management to control any runoff whether it be in fields that could be contaminated by cow dung or in the grape filled mountain sides where any nitrogen or phosphorus could runoff from the mountains and down to the grape fields then onto the road ways

Lets delve into some key aspects of being a sustainable farmer in N.Z.

1. Regenerative Agriculture: Regenerative agriculture is a movement gaining momentum in New Zealand. It aims to reshape land use practices by working with the natural environment to regenerate the land. It encompasses principles such as enriching soils, improving watersheds, enhancing ecosystem services, promoting biodiversity and ensuring farmer and livestock welfare. Regenerative agriculture draws from various related approaches, including organic farming, holistic land management, permaculture, biodynamic farming, carbon farming, silo pasture, agroecology, and conservation agriculture.

2. Sustainability: Sustainable farming involves using appropriate systems to produce food while safeguarding the environment and maintaining economic viability. Efficient use of resources (such as nutrients and water) without compromising water quality or contributing to climate change is essential. Sustainability also considers social and cultural aspects, fostering rural identity and incorporating the Māori worldview (Te Ao Māori)

3. Professionalism and Adaptation: Sustainable farmers adapt to changing circumstances, including global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. They embrace elements from various practices to create a sustainable career and way of life across generations, benefiting both the land and society

In summary, Edgar A. Burns suggests that being a sustainable farmer in New Zealand means harmonizing ecological responsibility, economic viability, and cultural awareness to create a resilient and thriving agricultural system.

Resources:

1. Siegfried, A. (2020, April 30). Insight into Regenerative Agriculture in New Zealand. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://stories.ehf.org/insight-into-regenerative-agriculture-in-new-zealand-5da90f04524b

2. Mackenzie, C. (2018, May 31). Sustainable Farming Practices, New Zealand. Global Farmer Network. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://globalfarmernetwork.org/sustainable-farming-practices-new-zealand/

3. Burns, E. A. (2019, November 1). What does it mean to be a professional New Zealand farmer? Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.manukau.ac.nz/about/research-and-publications/our-publications/published-articles/nzjabr-vol-17-no-1,-2019/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-professional-new-zealand-farmer