From the editor
Issue 18 - April 2006
Past, present and future sustainability challenges for farming
New Zealand is founded on the production of meat, dairy, wool, fruit, vegetables, timber and other primary products. Agriculture has shaped much of the ecology and landscapes we see around us, and the nature of our society and economy. It has long been regarded as “the backbone of our nation”.
Our ever-intensifying agricultural industry brings economic prosperity, but it also creates environmental challenges – in regards to water quality and allocation, soil erosion and climate change. These challenges must be addressed to ensure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of agriculture in New Zealand.
The articles in this edition of RM Update reflect on the history of agriculture in New Zealand, changing land use and the current environmental issues facing the sector, as well as pointing towards future directions for sustainable land management.
They raise the question: What changes in thinking and behaviour by farmers, land managers, local government and central government are required in order to secure a bright future for New Zealand's land-based sectors?
Amber Duncalfe, Editor
This Issue
- Pasture, present and future – A brief history of pastoralism in New Zealand
- Growing for good – Cultivating discussions on the future of farming
- Sustainable land management – Piecing together the jigsaw
- The Sustainable Farming Fund
- Policy for the paddock – Sustainable land management on the farm
- Integrated catchment management – A way forward for sustainable land management?
- Further information
- Download as a PDF file
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Contact for Enquiries
Amber Duncalfe
Editor - RM Update
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: +64 4 894 0710
Fax: +64 4 894 0745
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