“These fifteen men and women all represent best environmental farming practice for their farm system,” DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said.
“They run their farms profitably and sustainably and are serious about reducing on farm greenhouse gas emissions.
“Many farmers are already leading with environmental practices, but these fifteen people have taken it a step further. They have not only been ahead of the game, but have undertaken to share their knowledge and learning with others.”
Mackle said New Zealand had an opportunity under the Labour-led Government to set the global standard for climate conscious agribusiness. “Rather than focusing on cow numbers, we want to focus on how we can continue to improve the sustainability of New Zealand’s agricultural sector. The first step is ensuring everyone understands the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Identified through DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders programme, the ambassadors are already involved in a range of initiatives, including improving water quality, reviewing their farm system to reduce its environmental footprint, and working at a grass-roots level with their community to achieve better outcomes for the environment and farming.
“From today they will work with the rural community to help other farmers understand the challenge of climate change and what options they have right now to reduce biological emissions on their farm,” Mackle said.
“Emission reduction is a challenge facing the entire food sector worldwide, and New Zealand’s is well placed to take on opportunity to showcase sustainable dairy to the world.
“This isn’t just about dairy –all sectors need to scrutinise the way they operate. Only together can we help New Zealand transition to a low carbon economy.”
Climate ambassadors:
Aidan Bichan, Wairarapa, Carterton
Andrew Booth, Northland, Titoki – near Whangarei
Dean Alexander, Southland, Winton
Devon Slee, Canterbury, Ashburton
Earle Wright, Auckland, Tapora
Fraser McGougan, BoP, near Whakatane
George Moss, Waikato, Tokoroa
Jacqui Hahn, Waikato, Te Awamutu
John Hayward, Waikato, Te Kuiti
Kevin Hall, Southland, Edendale
Theona Blom, Canterbury, between Hororate and Rakaia
Trish Rankin, Taranaki
Vern Brasell, Wairarapa, Carterton
Wayne Langford, Golden Bay
Keith Riley, Horizons
