Just what that means for the cropping industry and what, if anything, farmers can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from arable farms will be thrashed out at the FAR conference, FAR communications manager Anna Heslop said.
The conference at Lincoln University on June 27 and 28 has the theme Research Leading Change.
Climate change and zero carbon will feature on the first day, in the soil, water and nutrients session.
“Our keynote address in that session will be delivered by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton.
“We expect him to touch on a range of environmental issues including nutrient management, water quality and, of course, climate change and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions,” Heslop said.
The session will include talks on nitrogen leaching, emissions from arable systems, the state of arable soils and new research to maximise the value of irrigation.
The conference also features sessions on crop protection and innovation and technology with an afternoon of field trips investigating issues associated with lime spreading, weed management in vegetable seed crops and biological farming.
Meanwhile, Canterbury and North Otago farmers will have a chance to gain a better insight into carbon farming.
On behalf of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum and the food and fibre innovation programme the Agribusiness Development Group is running free seminars at Glenavy on May 29, Ashburton on May 30 and Darfield on May 31 to help farmers understand the science, policy and market opportunities of carbon farming.
Experts on carbon and the Emissions Trading Scheme will discuss how carbon farming might not just be a green initiative to plant trees but a means of maximising production across all land classes and increasing income and profits through more commodity production and market trading while improving conservation, biodiversity, environmental and recreational values with the benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The workshops will include presentations from local farmers who will share their experiences of being involved in carbon farming.
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Register for the conference and field trip at www.far.org.nz
Register for the seminars at www.agribusinessgroup.com or email sarah@agribusinessgroup.com
