Organic farming in New Zealand dates from 1930 and began on a commercial scale in the 1980s. It has gained importance within the farming market, particularly with the recent involvement of larger companies, such as Wattie's.
Lincoln University, which has a strong focus on agricultural research, operates the Biological Husbandry Unit which first opened in 1976 and now focuses on organic and sustainable agriculture. The university also operates the 57 hectare Kowhai Farm that is managed to BIO-GRO Organic Production Standards.
Land use patterns show that, in 2002, there were 46,886 hectares of land certified as either fully organic or in transition to becoming fully organic.
Types of Farming in New Zealand
There are five major types if farming in New Zealand: sheep, dairy, beef, horticulture, and aquaculture. New Zealand has approximately 25.14 million sheep, which is almost 5 times greater than the human population. New Zealand also has approximately 5.91 million dairy cattle. These two species play a significant role in New Zealand's farming industry.
Government Influence on Policy
The New Zealand government has been introducing regulations on farmers to help address environmental issues caused by agriculture. New Zealand's agricultural land use contributes to 49% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. New Zealand's government has introduced policies to combat issues such as water quality, and sustainability-focused programs have been developed to encourage change in farming practices.
Some specific legislations the New Zealand government has implemented include:
$229 million over four years to the productive and sustainable land use package
Maori Agribusiness Extension program
Zero Carbon Amendment Act
Biogenic methane emission to be reduced by 10% by 2030
These legislations are designed to work together to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by agriculture.
The New Zealand government has developed an emissions reduction plan. It lays out targets and the actions that need to be made to reach those targets. This plan focuses on the transport, energy, building and construction, waste, agriculture and forestry industries. In terms of the agriculture industry, the New Zealand government has created targets they hope to reach after the first emissions budget period. This includes the emissions that would occur if the plan was not followed, then the emissions if the plan was followed.
Projected emissions without the initiatives in this plan – 163.1 Mt -e
Projected average annual emissions without the initiatives in this plan – 40.8Mt -e Projected percentage of total gross emissions without the initiatives in this plan – 50% Estimated emissions reduction from the initiatives in this plan – 0.3 to 2.7 Mt -e
Methods to Increase Sustainability
New Zealand farmers have been taking steps towards sustainability to minimize the impact of their practices on the environment. some of the methods they use include:
Rational grazing: This is when livestock is moved to different areas regularly to allow for the regrowth of grass and prevent overgrazing. This helps to maintain soil fertility and minimize erosion. Precision farming: The use of technology to monitor soil, moisture, and crop growth, allowing farmers to apply fertilizers and pesticides only in places where it is needed. This reduces the use of chemicals and increases efficiency. Planting trees: Farmers plant native trees and plants on their land to provide a habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Composting: This is a tool farmers use to turn organic waste into fertilizer for their crops. this eliminates the justification to use synthetic fertilizers. Renewable energy: Farmers use solar panels, wind turbines, and other forms of renewable energy to power their operations. This aids in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Sustainable Practices Impact on Farmers
Sustainable farming practices can have various impacts on farmers.
Some of these positive impacts include:
Increased profitability: Farmers can access premium markets that pay higher prices for sustainably grown products. increased resilience: Can help farmers adapt to climate change and other environmental stresses by building more resilient farming systems that are able to withstand extreme weather events. Improved quality of life: Farmers can improve their quality of life by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals, reducing workload and providing a healthier environment for them and their families.
Negative impacts include: