With increasing market volatility and uncertainty about changing environmental legislation, the partners believe the venture is important as farmers seek further clarity and information about what the future holds for them and their businesses, and what options are available to help manage the industry’s collective environmental impact.
Water quality trends in New Zealand have declined rapidly in recent years and agriculture, primarily dairying, has been under the spotlight for land use and introducing nutrients and sediment to water.
In response to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, the Waikato Regional Council have reviewed their existing plan by developing the Healthy Rivers Plan for Change which aims to help restore and protect the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. This would have a significant impact on all land users.
Environmental management is key to the farm’s future strategic development. Owl Farm aims to responsibly demonstrate how to remain financially viable while being environmentally conscious. All areas are continuously under review, none more so than water quality.
The first step is establishing what the minimum environmental standards are, and once there is collective agreement on these the farm will explore the various environmental and economic opportunities to determine our best way of achieving these. From there they will develop a plan for how those components could be incorporated into the business.
For a look at the bigger picture and to hear the plans, join Owl Farm onfarm for a focus day on Wednesday, November 25. Everyone from the rural sector is welcome.
