Now, having lived through the 1980s, many farmers might rather be left alone to run things as they see fit but the world has changed and most are now keenly aware of the glare they come under.
Support from central Government to reach these goals has been slow in coming but the $370 million in last week’s Budget is a good start.
Industry bodies have touted science as the answer to emissions reductions but the science hasn’t got us there yet.
A new injection of cash for research and development gives hope that at least the work will be done to find a solution.
The biggest splash is the $229m for sustainable land use projects that clean up waterways and wetlands.
Farmers have long argued any mitigations should be assigned on a catchment by catchment basis and this fund gives them the chance to work together for the good of their communities.
Forestry also gets significant funding, almost $50m. In recent weeks livestock farmers have been loud and clear in their opposition to the spectre of trees smothering good high-country land.
Hopefully, some of that forestry fund will go to help those same farmers diversify their operations where it suits and bring in more income streams rather than just accelerating the spread of trees throughout our pastoral sector.
Previous Governments have taken a hands-off approach to the issues farmers face, preferring to let the market sort things out.
This is a back to the future moment for farming but one that is perhaps necessary. With the world judging our sustainability in real time, it’s time to show a New Zealand Inc approach. The wellbeing of the country depends on it.
Bryan Gibson
