Saturday, March 30, 2024

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Public perceptions of farming are more positive than farmers think, a survey shows.
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“The strong theme we have heard from farmers in the past is that they do not feel well-liked by their urban counterparts. However, when you poll the general population, this is simply not true,” UMR research executive director Marc Elliot says.

UMR surveyed more than 1000 people last month and found the response at odds with the view held by many in primary industries. 

New Zealanders are almost five times as likely to hold a positive view of sheep and beef farming than a negative one, the research showed.

They are more than twice as likely to hold a positive view of dairy farming than a negative one.

Horticulture starred with 68% declaring a positive view and only 4% negative. Forestry  also rated well with 56% positive and only 9% negative. 

Just under half rate fisheries positively, 47% compared to 16% negative so those with a positive view outweighed the negative by almost three to one, Elliot said.

But he warned urbanites expect more from farmers and they know which side their bread is buttered on.

“One in five New Zealanders declaring a negative view of dairying is not insignificant and it shows that our primary sector has some work to do to improve its environmental performance.

“However, anyone who takes the time to look around our primary industries will see a lot of activity towards becoming more sustainable.” 

For example, land and environmental plans, retiring erosion-prone land into native reserves, fencing off and planting around rivers and streams, Elliot said. 

“From working in this space over many years we have observed that New Zealanders on this topic are concerned, particularly about impacts on water quality. 

“However, almost in the same breath, they acknowledge both the many jobs and the fantastic quality of food coming out of our primary industries that they directly benefit from.” 

Minister Damien O’Connor said “Auckland, our largest urban area, are bigger fans of dairy farming than anywhere else in the country.

“If you read below the headlines and hear more than just a comment from both urban and rural NZ there is a level of appreciation, if not a comprehensive understanding, of what happens on farm.”

Misconceived ideas of farming have at times stemmed from political beat-ups in the lead-up to elections. 

“The rural sector can be used (as a scape goat) in convenient political opportunities. 

“But in the end we have to live with the reality that we all live busy lives and often we don’t have time to understand fully how other people operate.”

The research isn’t going to change anyone’s mind but should reassure farmers there is a wide level of appreciation of farmers and growers across the entire country, he said.

Since the survey was done the industry has faced a hefty backlash over winter grazing practices in Southland and stood in the firing line over the Government’s freshwater reforms, openly pleading for an extension to the consultation period.

Still, the poll results wouldn’t have shifted by much, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne believes.

“Listening to radio in the past couple of weeks where farmers have put their hands up and said ‘we don’t know how much more we can take of this’, the outpouring of support from the general public has been absolutely stunning,” she said.

“There is support for farmers and the plight we’re going through and that it’s not easy to turn these things around.”

Southland sheep, beef and dairy farmer Dean Rabbidge was pleasantly surprised by the findings.

“They make a bit of sense because, just like anything, the vocal minority against something tends to get a lot of coverage and a lot of publicity.”

“You don’t often hear in the mainstream (media) the positive thoughts and feelings towards farming. You only really hear about activist groups like Greenpeace, Fish and Game and Forest and Bird speaking out against us. 

“You don’t often hear from Joe Public.”

In a recent television interview with BakerAg director Chris Garland said the Government’s approach to environmental policy is undermining the mental health and well-being of the pastoral sector where morale is low, farmers are feeling marginalised and say they are made out to be villains.

“It was a fantastic story but the only images shown were of all the negative stuff that farmers are getting a bad rap for,” Rabbidge said. 

“Sure, they spoke about the good things but they didn’t show anything positive. Instead, they showed pictures of dirty water and cattle in unsatisfactory conditions.”

But Southland farmers have made drastic improvements and nearly all comply with the Land and Water Plan set by Environment Southland, he said. 

“Now we’re going to have to start paying massive compliance costs just to prove that we are (compliant).

It is going to have a dire impact on the environment, Rabbidge said.

“These regulations are going to cost me at least $20,000 in compliance costs. That’s what I’m spending annually fencing and planting riparian strips so if you knock that on the head we’re just going to have a negative outcome.

“Many farmers just don’t realise they’re already doing this environmental work and neither does the Government so we’ve just gotta keep doing what we’re doing and make a big song and dance about it.”

Milne said “Get your friends out on-farm and if anyone in the public doesn’t understand something about our industry then stop and chat to them about it.”

What Kiwis really think

55% of respondents hold a positive view of primary industries, compared to 12% with a negative one.

Horticulture is seen in the best light with 68% positive and 4% a negative.

56% hold a positive view of forestry and 9% negative. 

54% hold a positive view of sheep and beef farming with 12% negative.

51%  are positive to dairy farming while 20% are negative

People aged 18-29 and women are generally less positive.

Those over 60 and men are generally more positive.

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