The white paper produced by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research sets out 17 priority research topics identified by sector representatives, regenerative farmers and professionals in the wider agri-food system.
It also introduces 11 principles for regenerative farming from farmer focus groups that can be applied across the primary sector.
Surprisingly, according to the paper, it seems that there is plenty of agreement between advocates and sceptics of the practices around regen ag.
Let’s hope that common ground is more than just a foothold for future research into it, and that real progress can be made to identifying what it can bring to NZ and how that can be made to happen.
It’s an area that is building momentum in other parts of the world and we can’t afford to be left behind, whether that be for the good of the land or to remove another potential non-tariff trade barrier.
Colin Williscroft
Regen ag has potential but more testing needed
There is a pressing need for more scientific testing of claims made by regenerative agriculture (RA) advocates, but the practices have the potential to play an important role in transforming New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, the authors of a new white paper say.
M bovis review gets underway
An independent review of the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is aimed at identifying lessons that can be learned from New Zealand’s largest biosecurity response.
Southland gravel deposits cause for concern
Farmers are urging Environment Southland to address a build-up of gravel in several rivers, accumulated after several heavy rain events in the past year.
Fonterra focused on N leaching long game
Fonterra says it is not dwelling on what its nitrogen (N) leaching rate is on its wastewater farms, but rather on how it can reduce the loading and reduce its environmental impact.
Class action against Fonterra AU needs support
Lawyers spearheading a class action against Fonterra Australia want more farmers to register, while the dairy giant says it has completely overhauled its relationship with its Aussie farmers.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
Newsmaker: Research into regen, GDT highs and meat’s retail pivot
Our Land and Water has released a white paper on regenerative agriculture. Landcare Research senior scientist Dr Gwen Grelet and Quorum Sense’s manager Sam Lang will explain.
What’s driving the ever-increasing dairy prices, and how sustainable are these prices? Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins explains.
As the high shifts out to our east and a low in the Tasman Sea may rapidly form and even reach storm status, RuralWeather’s Phil Duncan gives us a thorough weather report for the week ahead.
With the shutdown of restaurants around the world, New Zealand’s meat processing companies have had to pivot into selling into retail.
