It is not the only question he and his colleagues pose but one of their answers is that a sustainable NZ brand needs to be one supported by validation, certification and labelling.
He also says government agencies could take a proactive approach to emphasising the qualities of sustainable, low-carbon dairy production, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture.
Fine words. So what is the reality? Let’s take validation, certification and labelling for one industry, chicken meat.
The organic standard is the only one that limits chicken flock size and only one commercial company has organic certification. The others, which raise the vast bulk of chickens for meat, are free to describe their products as free-range because there is no standard – and the reality is on average 31% of so-called free-range chickens never leave the shed.
By this one example, the primary sector’s journey towards Gluckman’s resilient future has some way to go.
Gerard Hutching
Fonterra takes cultured approach
Fonterra is researching the possibility of using fermentations as methane inhibitors. It has a library of cheese and yoghurt cultures going back 50 years into which it can delve and perhaps modify to curb cow emissions.
Migrant visa worry
The pork industry is concerned migrant workers already working in the country might not be able to renew their visas. While the numbers are few, pig farmers have come to rely on their experience.
Key cogs in machines
Rural contractors have sounded the alarm over an impending skills shortage in their industry, which has come to depend on foreign specialists to drive costly machines and who can’t easily be replaced by Kiwis.
Dairy sustains economy
Dairy export revenue has risen by more than $1 billion to $19.2b over the last year as the sector positions itself as a key part of the economy.
Farmer confidence up and down
Farmers are feeling more confident about the agricultural sector but Rabobank’s latest survey shows dairy farmers and horticulturalists are more pessimistic about the prospects for their own businesses while sheep and beef farmers are more optimistic.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – The 2020 KPMG Agribusiness Agenda looks at the unique perspectives and voices across the industry from capital providers, educators and scientists to emerging leaders, farmers and producers, Maori leaders, chief executives and business leaders. Ian Proudfoot will join us to provide the latest insights. Read the Agenda at bit.ly/3gbH78W
7.20pm – Nitrate poisoning is caused by high nitrate levels in feed and it usually occurs in late autumn or winter, particularly during a flush of growth after a dry period. With the drought conditions and the recent rain, Dairy NZ wants to ensure farmers are extra vigilant. Waikato regional leader Wilma Foster discusses the issue.
7.30pm – Zespri's alumni have filtered into Silver Fern Farms, the Primary Sector Council and even to National Party leader. The latest to cross-sector positions is former Zespri chairman Peter McBride, who will now lead the Fonterra board into its next chapter of value-add and we hear his vision for the global dairy giant.
7.40pm – Disruption requires leaders to listen and act on diverse perspectives and that of emerging women leaders in the primary sector. Agri-Women's Development Trust founder Lindy Nelson will provide her insights into the challenges we have faced in getting women's voices heard in the new normal.
