Technical Papers

represents PDF documents.

2006 |2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | | 1991-1952

MAF Technical Papers:

2006

06/01 Pathogen pathways - Best management practices

The Pathogen Transmission Pathway Project was a three-year research project to investigate the pathways by which microbes move from farmed animals into water bodies. more>>

06/02 Pathogens pathways - Riparian Management III

The Pathogen Transmission Pathway Project was a three-year research project to investigate the pathways by which microbes move from farmed animals into water bodies. more>>

06/03 Pathogen pathways - Contamination of water bodies via artificial drainage

The Pathogen Transmission Pathway Project was a three-year research project to investigate the pathways by which microbes move from farmed animals into water bodies. more>>

06/07 Pathogen pathways - Soil risk index

The Pathogen Transmission Pathway Project was a three-year research project to investigate the pathways by which microbes move from farmed animals into water bodies. more>>

06/08 Pathogen pathways - Riparian management II

The Pathogen Transmission Pathway Project was a three-year research project to investigate the pathways by which microbes move from farmed animals into water bodies. more>>

2005

03/05 Pathogen Pathways - Update on Groundwater Contamination June 2005

This study is part of a consortium approach to quantify the relative significance of key pathogen transmission routes from farm animals to water. more>> [PDF 647K]

2004

04/07 Livestock Production Gains from Improved Drinking Water: Literature Review 8 December 2004

This review summarises our current understanding of the impact of water quality on the productivity of livestock, with special reference to the situation as it may relate to New Zealand livestock farmers. more>> [PDF 5.8K]

04/05 Review of Riparian Buffer Zone Effectiveness September 2004

The purpose of this report is to review and summarise published research on the efficiency and management of riparian buffer zones (RBZ) with respect to the attenuation of sediment and nutrients, and biodiversity enhancement. While there have been numerous studies on the efficiency of RBZ with respect to sediment and nutrients, many of these studies have been small-scale and site-specific. Therefore, a review of these studies needs to consider an assessment of the catchment scale factors that influence the effectiveness of RBZ in attenuating catchment loads. more>>

04/04 Kiwifruit Export Information Disclosure Handbook - 2nd Edition
Ivan Rowe - May 2004

Handbook for Complying with the Information Disclosure requirements of the Kiwifruit Export Regulations 1999

04/02 Understanding the Costs and Risks of Conversion to Organic Kiwifruit and Apple Production Systems 10 March 2004

Widespread adoption of organic production methods for kiwifruit and apples would require some changes in infrastructure and if the effect of increased total organic production was to significantly reduce market premiums, financial viability would be impaired. ... more>>

04/01 The Economic Value of Irrigation In New Zealand 2 June 2004

This paper was developed by MAF Policy Information and Regions Group staff to provide information on the socio-economic contribution irrigation currently makes to the New Zealand economy, and an estimate of the potential to add to economic growth. more>>

2003

03/07 Riparian Attenuation of Faecal Microbes 15 October 2003
Objective 2 of the Pathogen Transmission Routes Research Programme

Objective 2 of the Pathogen Transmission Routes Research Programme (PTRRP) focused upon two areas of related research: faecal contamination of surface runoff; and riparian attenuation of faecal microbes... more>>

03/06 Groundwater Management Tools: Analytical Procedure and Case Studies 8 October 2003

This report addresses an issue of groundwater management that was identified by regional council staff, as part of a project conducted by Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry and the Ministry for the Environment for encouraging and ensuring effective and efficient water allocation in New Zealand. .. more>>

03/04 Development of Maori Owned Indigenous Forests 7 May 2003

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Land Cover Database has been used as the basis for this study. This has allowed accurate definition of the area of New Zealand that actually supports high indigenous forest. Cadastral information has then been overlaid to define the areas of the natural forest estate that are in Maori ownership. Subsequent to this, forest class data has been used to define areas of indigenous forest that have current commercial timber potential in terms of the requirements of the Amended Forests Act. more>>

03/03 Greenhouse Energy Use & Carbon Dioxide Emissions April 2003

AgriLINK New Zealand was commissioned by a multi-stakeholder group comprising MAF, Vegfed and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) to conduct a pilot survey and scoping report on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions for the heated greenhouse industry. The survey was not representative of the industry but rather captured a range of greenhouse types, fuel types and regional locations. more>>

03/02 Farm Adjustment and Restructuring in the North Island Hill Country February 2003

This report examines the nature and extent of restructuring among hill farmers in North Island. In particular, it evaluates the impediments to restructuring and the on-going changes in rural communities and service centres. more>>

03/01 Policy Strategies for Natural Resource Management January 2003

This report is intended to provide background information to people involved in Regional Council community consultation who have limited experience in policy decision-making. It describes a range of policy instruments that can be applied by Regional Councils in an agricultural environment in situations where changes in landowner environmental practices are required. more>>

2002

02/21 Montreal Process - New Zealand Country Report 2003 December 2002

Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests more>>

02/20 Towards a Strategy for Using Bt toxins in New Zealand December 2002

A response to recommendation 7.1 of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification more>>

02/19 Factors Influencing Direct Deposition of Cattle Faecal Material in Riparian Zones December 2002

To establish beef cattle defecation frequency and distribution on hill country in New Zealand and quantify the effects of a number of environmental factors. This information is likely to be used in a model to predict the effect of factors influencing stream water quality. more>>

02/18 Wild Birds, Flies, and Rodents as Reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. on Dairy Farm November 2002

Field studies were carried out to determine the prevalence and strains of Campylobacter spp in cattle, wild birds, rodents and flies on a dairy farm. more>>

02/17 Nutrient Budgets for Three Mixed Farming Catchments in New Zealand December 2002

The aim of this report is to examine the effects of change in land use and intensification on nutrient inputs, outputs and balances in three New Zealand catchments using the OVERSEER? nutrient budget model. The three catchments were Bog Burn (Southland), Waikakahi (Canterbury) and Toenepi (Waikato) and all currently have a mix of dairy farming and sheep and cattle farming. more>>

02/16 Riparian Attenuation of Faecal Microbes November 2002

A field study has been undertaken to determine the ability of riparian buffer strips to trap Campylobacter and E. coli. Sloping grass plots (length 5 or 1 m, width 2 m) were irrigated with clean water to generate steady surface runoff.. more>>

02/15 Management Strategies to Mitigate Faecal Contamination Inferred from Analysis of Data from the Waikato Region December 2002

Environment Waikato has collected E. coli data from 73 stream sites across the Waikato region that encompass a diverse range of faecal contaminant sources. Examination of this microbial dataset has been conducted in conjunction with a range of environmental factors including the physical characteristics of each catchment, the land management practices within it, and dynamic processes such as hydrological and meteorological conditions. ... more>>

02/14 Policy Framework for the Development of Large Scale Water Enhancement Projects in NZ
Overview and Commentary December 2002

In 2001, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) undertook preliminary work to respond to the information needs of a number of groups who were investigating and promoting communal irrigation schemes in New Zealand. Since that time, interest has further expanded and with it the demand for more detailed information on a number of key issues surrounding the development of large-scale water enhancement projects. more>>

02/13 Economic and Social Assessment of Community Irrigation Projects December 2002

The overall objective of this Study is to establish the economic returns from a national, regional and individual viewpoint and the social changes that occur with community irrigation development. more>>

02/12 Role of Local Government in Community Irrigation Projects November 2002

This Paper is one of a series of jointly funded reports commissioned investigate impediments and opportunities for the development of large scale water enhancement projects in New Zealand, with a primary focus of providing water for community irrigation schemes. more>>

02/10 Equity Investment Options for Community Irrigation Projects October 2002

The objective of this study is to identify the range of feasible funding options and likely fund providers available for financing large-scale water enhancement projects, determine which is the most appropriate funding structure for these developments, identify the key risks for potential funding providers and possible risk management strategies to assist in reducing the impact of these risks. more>>

02/09 Public and Private Sector Partnerships - Review of International Models and Experiences November 2002

This report focuses on international experiences for financing and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects in general, and water enhancement projects in particular. The study is based on a literature search and information gathering exercise to capture the essential elements of experiences in Europe, the United Kingdom and closer to home and in more detail, in Australia. more>>

02/08 Information Barriers to the Development of Emerging Industries

There is a wide range of information required by new participants, potential participants, and industry leaders in new and emerging agricultural and horticultural industries to assist them in their decision making and at the same time contribute to the sustainable use of resources in the primary sector. The report identifies information needs of industry participants and leaders, and sources and means of obtaining such information. more>>

02/05 Literature Review on Genetically Modified Plants and Bee Products 4 September 2002

Report prepared for MAF Policy, by Louise A Malone, HortResearch. more>>

02/03 Sustainable Development Extension

Landcare Research, Lincoln and the National Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) reviewed a possible role for government in sustainable development extension. The report is in two parts. Part I; by NZIER, covers the case for government intervention. Part II, of this report covers current theory and practice, and suggests ways to integrate and co-ordinate sustainable development information and extension. more>>

02/01 Understanding the Costs and Risks of Conversion to Organic Production Systems Jan 2002

Despite the current interest in the organic option, there are significant differences in the rate of conversion to organic farming systems. Organic horticulture is well established, while the number of organic livestock and arable farms as a proportion of their respective sectors, are relatively low. In a series of facilitated sector-based workshops, the major behind-the-farm-gate constraints to increasing organic production in the sheep and beef, dairying, deer and arable sectors were identified and prioritised. A detailed financial analysis was then undertaken to quantify the impact of each constraint on the financial performance of the business. MAF Farm Monitoring models were used as a basis for each evaluation. more>>

01/08 Irrigation Scheme Development - Issues to Consider When Promoting a Water Resource Scheme - Lessons from the Last 125 Years
Prepared for MAF Policy by Agriculture New Zealand Ltd - January 2001

This report has been written in response to the information needs of a number of groups throughout New Zealand who are investigating and promoting communal irrigation schemes. It draws on the experience of the previous 80 years of development of communal irrigation schemes in New Zealand and experience gained in the recent commissioning of communal irrigation schemes.more>>

01/07 Economic Efficiency of Water Allocation Nov 2001

This report is part of a series of sustainable resource development policy studies. MAF is interested in investigating the role of water in regional economic development, particularly in achieving the most economically efficient allocation of scarce water resources. more>>

01/06 Indigenous Forestry on Private Land: Present Trends and Future Potential January 2002

This paper discusses trends in indigenous timber production and value from all sources, projects timber production from sustainable management of private indigenous forests, and its potential future value.

01/05 The Forest Processing Investment Environment June 2001

During the past 20 years, investment in New Zealand forestry processing has not kept pace with considerable increases in wood harvests. This study seeks to identify key factors that are constraining direct investment in wood processing in New Zealand, and to suggest viable means of removing or reducing these constraints, or otherwise promoting investment in wood processing. more>>

01/04 E-Commerce
Two reports prepared for MAF Policy NZ Institute of Economic Research (inc) and Martech Group Limited Consulting, respectively.

E-commerce - is it an opportunity or a threat to the primary sector? The two research reports included in this Technical Paper explore both sides of this question.

The Implications of E-Commerce for the Primary Sector

E-commerce and its Projected Impacts on Agriculture

01/03 Total Energy Indicators of Agricultural Sustainability: Dairy Farming Case Study Aug 2001
Prepared by: Dr Colin Wells, Dept of Physics University of Otago

The aim of this study was to determine baseline data on total energy inputs, as indicators of the sustainability of the dairy production sector. Indicators based on energy consumption, together with other indicators for land, water use, social effects and financial performance, are perceived to be valuable:

as tools for farmers and policy advisers to assess the overall sustainability of agricultural activities;

to ensure the continued competitiveness of our food and fibre products;

to provide policy-makers and planners with measures with which to assess the best use of land in the future. more>>

01/02 Intra-regional Spending Patterns of Canterbury Farmers
Prepared for MAF Policy by Agriculture New Zealand Ltd - January 2001

In 1999, Agriculture New Zealand carried out a survey of Canterbury farmers to determine the impact of the 1997?1999 Canterbury drought. The results of this survey work are reported in the MAF Policy Technical Paper, "Regional Economic Impacts of the 1997-1999 Canterbury Drought" published in February 2000.
The survey sample was a selection of representative farm types based on their geographic location and known farming type. This was designed to give a representative sample of the Canterbury farming economy.
This study carries out further detailed analysis of the bulk information gathered in the 1999 survey.

2000

00/20 Recent Productivity Trends in New Zealand Primary Sectors R W M Johnson & R N Forbes - December 2000

This technical paper on the productivity trends in the agriculture sector and the forestry and logging sector is an update and extension of MAF Policy Technical Paper 96/2. In the latter, productivity trends in the agriculture sector were measured from year ended March 1972 to 1992 using two approaches, the Laspeyre and the Tornqvist. The extension of the methodologies to the forestry and logging sector brings together all the land based primary sectors that MAF has policy responsibilities for.

00/19 Telecommunications: Use, Constraints and Potential in Rural Areas Trevor Atkins - August 2000

This paper reports on a survey in which many respondents reported problems with access to the network due to overloading. There are significant problems with Internet use, including speed and dropped connections. Emergency Services 111 problems appear to be mainly related to a centralised service which cannot direct resources to rural locations, rather than being telecommunication based. Mobile telephone coverage with normal hand held phones is very patchy; the majority of respondents indicated that it has an impact on their ability to conduct their business.

00/18 Regional Economic Impacts of the 1997-1999 Canterbury Drought Agriculture New Zealand, Butchers Partners Limited - August 2000

There was a severe drought in Canterbury in 1997-1999. This project investigated the regional impacts of the drought-induced changes in farm production and expenditure patterns, and the influence of irrigation on these impacts. It involved interviews of 269 representative arable, livestock and dairy farmers from throughout Canterbury, from a total population of 6424 farmers. Production and financial information was collected for a normal year (1996-97) and the two drought years 1997-98 and 1998-99. Estimates were made for the 1999-2000 season, assuming a return to normal conditions.

00/17 Impediments to Optimising the Economic and Environmental Performance of AgricultureTony Rhodes ^,Brian Willis and Willie Smith - September 2000

This study was designed to explore the sustainability of North Island hill farms. Specific attention was directed at economic viability and evidence of any relationship between economic wellbeing and environmental sustainability. In addition, the study explored the role of the values, attitudes and other characteristics of farmers and farm households in their openness and ability to change, and the role of community values on agricultural sustainability. These objectives were identified as a means to support the development of new or improved mechanisms to better secure the Government's economic and environmental objectives for farm households in the hill country.

00/16 National Survey of New Zealand Agricultural Sector Debt 1998
Roger Wilkinson and Peter Jarvis

This study was commissioned by MAF Policy to determine the level and structure of farm debt in New Zealand in 1998. This study was commissioned to update farm debt information held by MAF. MAF uses this information for its macro-economic forecasting activities, to assist with the understanding of the financial structure, funding and profitability of farming in New Zealand, and to show how this has changed over time.

00/15 Implications of Groundwater Nitrate Standards for Agricultural Management Eco-Link Ltd

This report was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) who requested that the Eco-Link Ltd research team "report on the likely management, production and economic implications for New Zealand's agricultural industry, of widespread policy adoption of groundwater standards, at or below those of the European Union and Ministry of Health's drinking water standards." If policy makers are considering introducing regulations that are targeted at reducing current groundwater nitrate levels, the implications for production and trade must be considered. Negative trade implications include, for example, the potential for imposition of non-tariff trade barriers by competing countries that are already operating under stricter environmental regulatory controls than New Zealand. This report gives the best indication possible at this time, of the farm production and economic implications for three different farm enterprises, assuming that tighter regulations on nitrate leaching losses were introduced as a method of reducing groundwater nitrate levels.

00/14 Southland District's Economic Development 1991-2000
Trish Burborough and Dr Parnell Trost - January 2000

During the 1980s Southland district experienced significant population and employment decline. The initiatives launched in response to this decline have stabilised the population and reversed the trend in employment. A multi-organisational approach has been used to achieve this. The district has seen positive growth in employment opportunities, across most industry categories.

00/13 The Influence of Social Factors on the Future Performance of the Primary Production Sectors
Ruth Underwood and Jack Ripley - April 2000

This report compares and contrasts a selection of research commissioned by MAF Policy on sustainability and rural communities to identify key social issues that might impact on primary industry performance in the future. The reports present a gloomy picture of conditions in rural New Zealand as farming families have faced significant challenge within their farming businesses and local communities. In particular the livestock sectors, especially sheep and beef, have suffered reduced profits. Drought conditions compounded the problems for many farmers. These farmers are often in more isolated locations with fewer land use options which add to their problems. The horticultural sector has fared better in recent times, although the reports concentrate mainly on the rural areas most strongly associated with sheep and beef farms.

00/12 The Rate of Return of New Zealand Research and Development Investment
RWM Johnson - August 2000

There has been considerable debate in recent years about the relative merits of private and public research and development (R&D) investment in New Zealand. There has been a distinct lack of measurement in this area. This paper reports work on formulating a data set on past investment in R&D and results of econometric measurement of the respective rates of return. Results are available for the agriculture, fishing, forestry, processing, manufacturing, energy, building, transport and service sectors as well as the total market sector. The results indicate low rates of return to public investment in R&D and promising rates of return to private R&D in some individual sectors. There are positive responses to off-shore supplies of R&D and the level of educational investment in New Zealand in some sectors.

00/11 Developing an Effective Irrigation Water-Use Meter
Ian McIndoe, Peter Carran, Dominic Townsend - August 1998

This project was initiated to develop a prototype irrigation water use meter that could be easily installed and used with reliable results on all types of pressurised irrigation systems. The development of this meter was required to significantly increase the applicability and value to agriculture of indicators of sustainable irrigation and the adoption of best management practices currently being developed through MAF Operational Research Project contracts.

00/10 Financial Benefits of Making Improvements to an Irrigation System: A Case Study

The primary objective of this project was to demonstrate that improvements to the design of a cropping farm irrigation system were financially beneficial. A 164 ha spray irrigation farm near Darfield on the Canterbury Plains that grows a range of crops was chosen for this study.

00/09 Designing Effective and Efficient Irrigation Systems

The sustainability of irrigated agriculture depends upon consistently achieving high irrigation application efficiency. High efficiency depends upon excellent design, as well as effective management. Much effort has been spent trying to improve irrigation management in NZ. Unfortunately, the design of many irrigation systems inhibits changes to management that would result in higher efficiency. A recent survey of irrigation operators reveals that this is often true of spray irrigators, as well as those using border-strip. Low irrigation efficiency threatens the renewal of water permits and thus the future of irrigated

00/07 Testing of Irrigation Best Management Guidelines1998-1999
Ian McIndoe - August 1999

Within an overall framework of promoting sustainable farming, MAF Policy has designed a research program with the aim of developing procedures to achieve sustainable irrigated agriculture and to have those procedures adopted and used by the New Zealand farming industry.
In previous studies funded through the MAF Operations Research Programme, a set of indicators that farmers could use to measure and report on the sustainability of their irrigation management practices was determined (MAF Technical Paper 00/03), and Best Management Guidelines for Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture developed (MAF Technical Paper 00/05). The implementation of the Best Management Guidelines was tested in the 1997-1998 irrigation season (MAF Technical Paper 00/06) to find out if they were workable, sensible, and could be adopted by farmers.

00/06 Testing of Irrigation Best Management Guidelines1997-1998
Ian McIndoe - August 1998

Within an overall framework of promoting sustainable farming, MAF Policy has designed a research program with the aim of developing procedures to achieve sustainable irrigated agriculture and to have those procedures adopted and used by the New Zealand farming industry.
In previous studies funded through its Operations Research Programme, a set of indicators that farmers could use to measure and report on the sustainability of their irrigation management practices was determined (MAF Technical paper 00/3), and Best Management Guidelines for sustainable irrigated agriculture developed (MAF Technical paper 00/5).

00/05 Best Management Guidelines for Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture

The principal objective of this project, which is the second in a series of projects related to irrigation is:
To develop best management guidelines which provide practical information and advice that farmers can use to make, document and revise decisions relating to the design and operation of irrigation systems.

00/04 Field Testing Indicators of Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture Study

The purpose of this project was to test, under field conditions, a set of indicators developed for sustainable irrigated agriculture. This has been part of an ongoing programme of research into indicators of sustainable agriculture.
The set of indicators developed for MAF by Lincoln Environmental in 1996/97 was used as the basis of the trial. These indicators are given in Table 1.1 along with comments about each indicator, arising from the trial.

00/03 Indicators of Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture

Irrigation is a farming activity that has the potential to increase farmers? profit and to enhance the condition of natural resources, while having minimal impact on others. This project develops indicators of irrigation performance that can be used to measure and demonstrate the impacts of irrigation, and through their use, allow farmers to make informed management choices.

00/02 A Survey of Farmers? Approaches to & Perceptions about Irrigation Management

Irrigation efficiency is a key issue in the achievement of sustainable irrigated agriculture because maximising efficiency will significantly contribute to minimising the environmental impacts of water abstraction and drainage. Irrigation efficiency is an outcome of how farmers manage their irrigation systems on a day to day basis. Attempts to improve efficiency must therefore be based on a clear understanding of farmer perceptions of the need for higher efficiency and the practicalities of meeting the need. The purpose of this project was to establish where farmers are at, with respect to irrigation management, where they are coming from, where they perceive they need to be, how they think they will get there, and what they think they need to be able to get there.

00/01 A Summary of Sustainable Irrigation Papers

This is one of a series of 10 technical bulletins, which report the detail of projects commissioned by MAF Policy on sustainable irrigation.
This work arises as part of MAF?s contribution towards Government?s "Sustainable Land Management Strategy."
The projects in this series broadly divide into two groups, technical irrigation design factors and management factors. A key issue identified by farmers at the onset of this work was that to ensure irrigation could operate in sustainable ways physically and for the environment, it also had to be profitable irrigation.

1999

99/11 Review of Trends in Agricultural Pesticide Use in New Zealand
Patrick Holland & Anis Rahman - November 1999

Current usage of pesticides in New Zealand has been established on a tonnage basis with division of pesticides into categories and classes according to FAO. A comparison was undertaken between the current usage and data gathered in previous surveys. Herbicides continue to dominate pesticide use (68%) followed by fungicides (24%) and insecticides (8%).

99/8 Industry Views on the Making and Operation of Levy Orders under the Commodity Levies Act 1990
Glen Greer, Jon Manhire, Tony Zwart - March 1999

This technical paper was produced by Lincoln University and Agriculture New Zealand Ltd, based on a three-phase study carried out in 1998. The work was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to obtain industry views on the procedures currently adopted for the making and operation of Levy Orders under the Commodity Levies Act 1990. Commodity levies were supported by industry organisations and the majority of growers included in the focus groups, primarily because they eliminate the "free-rider" problem. The next most positive contribution made by the levies is that they provide the security of funding required to enter into longer term initiatives in research, promotion and industry planning.

99/7 Gender Equal - a Sustainable Agriculture Facilitation Programme
Trish Burborough - October 1998

This study looked at the diversity of rural and farm women's lives and provided some insights into the barriers to their participation in the mainstream economy. It suggested how these might be overcome so that rural women can act to improve their own position and how policy-makers can take account of the life experiences and requirements of all rural people (women and men). Gender equality is needed for efficient use of the local rural resource base and the promotion of local economic growth.

99/6 Evaluation of the Focus Farm and Orchard Programme
Nimmo-Bell & Company - June 1999

19 SLM groups were reviewed to assess their effectiveness in raising awareness of sustainability issues and in fostering the adoption of more sustainable land management practices. Common features of the groups are firstly, a focus on measures to improve economic sustainability and secondly, that there are few if any meaningful measures of effectiveness in getting farmers/growers to adopt more environmentally sustainable land management practices.

99/5 Information and Communication Needs to assist the adoption of sustainable land management practices in North Island Hill Country
Ket Bradshaw & Pam Williams - November 1998

Eroding hill country is a major issue in New Zealand, requiring important management changes if the issue is to be addressed. If these changes are to be put in place, then farmers need access to good information. This report (based on one-to-one interviews) sets out some features important in designing communication and information systems to help farmers. It seems that key messages about sustainable management practices are getting through, but that time and support is needed to help in moving farmers from the ?awareness raising? stage to the ?adoption? stage. New practices need to be sustainable within the farming enterprise, and that means that changes are usually done incrementally over a long period time. Farmers prefer to access information as they need it, and its important that the information be written and presented in a simple, straightforward and clear way. Incentives (e.g., subsidies, grants and community investments) act as a catalyst to ?kick start? farmers to uptake new practices. The report makes a series of recommendations.

99/4 Regional Implementation of the Biosecurity Act 1993
Simon Harris - February 1999

Five regions were examined in this study, which aimed to show: some of the different approaches to Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMSs) are implemented and funded; the rationale behind these different approaches; looked at variations between councils (from the perspective of what the Biosecurity Act intends). Geographic influences primarily determine how each region responds to the Act. For funding councils either used the general rate or levied a separate rate. When deciding on whether to include a particular pest in their RPMS, councils used either a detailed cost-benefit analysis or public consultation. Councils used a variety of monitoring approaches. The need for appeal provisions to be included in respect to the notification of a strategy was highlighted. More generally, a three-stranded approach is recommended , involving changes to the legislation, developing a guideline about the Act?s key requirements and implications; and research to assist councils in their decision making.

99/3 An Analysis of Public Comments on the Sustainable Management Plans for the Beech/Podocarp Beech Production Forests of North Westland
MAF Policy - December 1998

This report summarises and analyses the submissions received by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Plans prepared by Timberlands West Coast Limited (TWC) for the sustainable management of Crown-owned beech forests in North Westland. The submission process did not have a statutory basis, but was designed to elicit the views of interested parties on the management provisions in the TWC Plans. The submission process was not intended as a referendum on the future of the beech forests. Many of the concerns raised by submitters were outside the scope of the TWC Plans. The report covers the range of concerns identified by submitters.

99/2 Impact of a Volcanic Eruption on Agriculture and Forestry in New Zealand
Jeremy Neild, Peter O'Flaherty, Phillipa Hedley, Ruth Underwood, David Johnston and Bruce Christenson & Peter Brown - July 1998

NZ is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, and even a moderate eruption is likely to have significant impacts. This report was commissioned to document the impact that a range of eruption scenarios may have on forestry and agriculture. The effects on livestock will depend on a range of factors, including: ash type, its depth and consistency, wind direction and rainfall, and age and metabolic demands of livestock at the time. Even light ash showers can have significant impacts on horticultural production. Impacts on plantation forestry can be significant, including burial, breakage and fire. Policy issues relating to responses to volcanic events (based on experience gained from a 1995 eruption) include: inadequately defined and co-ordinated roles, poor communication between agencies (who normally have little contact with each other), resource constraints, a lack of trained personnel, and plans based on untested assumptions. Any institutional framework managing a volcanic emergency will need to: make sure all the key agencies work together in a co-ordinated manner, provide people (particularly in rural areas) with the information they need to manage themselves, manage media interest during the event, and make sure that ?institutional memory? is maintained (for dealing the next volcanic event).

1998

98/2 The Role of On-Farm Quality Assurance and Environmental Management Systems (QA/EMS) in Achieving Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management Outcomes
Stuart Morriss (Project Leader) - July 1998

QA/EM systems, by linking consumer/market preferences to farmer/grower management practices, can clearly transmit market signals, as well as acting as a vehicle for meeting wider expectations relating to the impact of production systems on the environment. Significant progress has been made in developing QA/EM systems, but much work remains to be done. Government (central and/or its agencies) have roles to play in developing and facilitating acceptance of these systems, including: assisting collaboration between regional councils and other affected parties; helping to develop clear performance standards; linking quality systems with relevant legislation; helping to gain recognition, from our trading partners, of New Zealand QA/EM systems. Other sections of this paper deal with issues like: quality management systems (a review); and trends in consumer preferences for environmental and product quality.

98/3 Constraints to Farm Level Adoption of New Sustainable Technologies and Management Practices in New Zealand Pastoral Agriculture
Rauniyar, G.; Parker, W.

This paper aimed to identify technologies and management practices that could enhance sustainable agricultural production, as well as factors that constrained them being taken up. Farmer-scientist/ policy advisor exchange forums, discussion groups, and a national mail survey were used to collect data. The forums identified four key issues relevant to the uptake of sustainable technologies and management practices: the need for a reciprocal information flow between the developers, suppliers, and users of technical and management information; the need for farmer lobby group participation in the shaping and implementation of government policy; farmers said they were not receiving proper market signals on which to base their own decision-making (pointing to a need for more effective marketing research, information and forecasting); and there was a need for more off-farm employment and income opportunities for farmers. These four themes were backed up in the discussion groups. In general, farmers? mail response reflected their current farming practices. Their opinion was largely driven by economic and financial factors (farmers were willing to change their practices, provided the changes could be shown to be profitable).

98/4 East Coast North Island Sustainability Issues
Peter Andrew, Rob Hayes & Hillton Collier - June 1998

Forty-nine survey participants were questioned on a range of social, economic, physical and community issues associated with sustainability. This was to determine: what were their perceptions about sustainability (and whether there were any ethnic differences), what actions and plans had been put in place, and what constraints existed on these actions and plans. The key result was that although there are large numbers of factors perceived to be associated with sustainability, few perception differences exist between Maori and non-Maori farmers. In farmers? minds, economic and physical sustainability are closely linked. It?s argued that knowledge uptake and improved management techniques are the key factors enabling farmers to be sustainable. Other results include: the main threats to the farm were perceived to be low income, then personal health; the main factor affecting physical sustainability for Maori was soil fertility, and erosion of hills for non-Maori; and primary uses for extra income was, respectively, fertiliser, fencing and debt reduction.

98/5 Biophysical and Ecological Impacts of Rural Subdivision
Grant Hunter, Peter Jarvis, Margaret Kilvington, Trevor Partridge, Trevor Webb, Wendy Macdonald and Caroline Saunders - June 1988

Subdivision of rural land into smaller lots is a contentious issue in NZ planning. This project looked at a range of impacts of subdivision into rural lots (1-10ha) in two case study areas. The study focused on: the nature of the biophysical and ecological impacts; how an understanding of these impacts could be translated into resource management processes within the Resource Management Act; and the applicability to NZ of overseas economics-based models (for assessing environmental effects). Surveys, a literature review, and reviews of regional policy documents (e.g., plans and district plans) were used. Both positive and negative biophysical and ecological impacts were identified in the study areas, but the impacts were little different to those found in nearby larger-scale land uses areas. Rather than trying to develop a set of generic environmental health indicators, it?s suggested that it is better to identify the critical components that are sensitive in the particular area being subdivided. Likewise, it is sensible to tailor policy and planning responses in a site-specific rather than a generic way. Overseas economics-based models don?t fit the NZ context particularly well. ?Production? based methods, however, may offer some scope for future development work.

98/6 The Experience of Women in Co-management Landcare Groups - Issues of Representation, Participation and Decision-making
Trudy Lea Brasell-Jones - June 1998

Co-management arrangements refer to managing local natural resources by ways that achieve a balanced representation of all interests within the community. Yet, often there is a gender imbalance in such groups. National surveys and two case studies analysed the experience of women over one year. Sections in the report include: the different needs of women in such groups and the barriers they face, national pattern?s of women?s? unequal experience in co-management groups, a more detailed analysis of the two case studies, and the opportunities and constraints existing for addressing gender issues by planners. Ways are suggested for improving the participation of women, for example, committees being more open to different decision-making styles, involving women at the early stages of group formation, and reflecting women?s issues and concerns by not solely concentrating on the economic aspects of sustainability.

98/7 Social Dimensions Affecting the Development of Organic Agriculture
Ruth Liepins and Hugh Campbell - February 1998

Using Canterbury organic farming as a model, this project focused on two factors: how producers access organic farming knowledge; and how the gender of the participants affects their experience of organic farming and industry participation. Research methods included individual and group interviews, telephone surveys, and focus group meetings. When accessing information men more frequently participate in formal public arenas, whereas women tend to use discussion-based opportunities and informal networks. Women appear to have the primary ?information management? role on the farms studied. The industry itself operates as a network of stakeholders (e.g., producers, processors, retailers, certifiers etc.). It?s argued that the support of industry and community networks is crucial for an understanding and uptake of sustainable agricultural systems. In Canterbury, it seems that a gender imbalance (regarding women?s? participation and leadership roles) is hampering further development of the industry.

98/8 Family dynamics among urban to rural migrants: A study of households moving out of urban areas in New Zealand
Charles Waldegrave and Shane Stuart - June 1998

Since 1991, increasing movement of low-income and beneficiary households from urban areas to nearby towns and rural areas has occurred. This project studied: household composition, the perceived plusses and minuses of living in rural areas, and what it cost to buy essentials in rural areas. 1300+ such households were surveyed. Findings include: a high proportion of rural ?in-migrants? are families, and they mostly move for physical and aesthetic reasons (e.g., the environment, the community, the lifestyle); and the main disadvantages are lack of facilities, isolation and few jobs. It?s suggested that in-migrants may benefit small towns (e.g., by increasing diversity and bringing in new ideas, providing a stable market for local businesses, and providing a basis for towns to argue for more services and facilities).

98/9 Land Use Change and Response in the Gisborne District of Waipaoa: Summary of a Case Study Using a Multistakeholder Approach
Landcare Research - June 1998

Rural communities face considerable challenges as a result of land-use change. Communities wanting to successfully manage these changes means communities need to use a process that fulfils a number of ?core principles?, including the need to be: comprehensive (reflecting social, economic and environmental aspects), owned and driven by the community itself, and aimed at achieving sustainable (i.e., long-term) outcomes. The project used a multistakeholder approach (one aiming to involve all affected interest groups of a community in developing solutions to problems. Findings from the study include: the need to understand the nature of the community and the issues it faces before developing ways of ensuring that all affected parties can participate; and that the approach does take perseverance and commitment, a willingness to listen to and to take account of others? views, and the ability to think long-term.

1997

97/1 Bibliography of MAF Policy publications: 1993 to 1996
Rod Forbes May 1997

97/2 A review of sharemilking: 1972 to 1996
Geoffrey Taylor September 1996

Sharemilking in the New Zealand dairy industry refers to a farm owner on the one hand and a sharemilker on the other (who owns the cattle). Normally operating under 50/50 profit-sharing, this arrangement allows the farm owner to discontinue the task of milking (while retaining a reasonable income and a modest return on investment), and the sharemilker - who undertakes the labour - to build financial capital towards their own financial goals, develop business/farming skills, and to enjoy a farming lifestyle. Long-term trends in this industry examined through farm owner questionnaires. Sharemilking is being affected by rising land prices, a rising cost structure, and shrinking product prices in real terms; leading to shrinking returns for owners and a move towards fewer but larger farms. However, the medium-term future of 50/50 sharemilking looks assured, mainly because owners simply do not wish to milk cows until they retire. The 50/50 arrangement seems to be changing in a way that favours owners. The biggest issue for sharemilkers is the increasing divergence between sharemilker?s cattle values (which is the equity they need to buy their own farms), and increasing land values and larger farm sizes.

97/3 Impacts of land use change in Wairoa District: resource document
M K Krause and J M King April 1997

Converting hill country pastoral farming to plantation forestry is happening a lot in New Zealand. This study (in four sections) looks at how conversion impacts on employment and household income. Section one introduces the Wairoa District (e.g., land use, industry etc.); section two details some of the recent land-use and commercial changes that have occurred in the area; and the next section deals with some of the impacts of these changes (e.g., to farming and meat processing, and to the social structure and to the environment). Section four discusses the opportunities that could arise from land-use changes. The key point is that local communities must take charge of its own destiny. To hide from changes will often mean that opportunities will be lost, and captured by others elsewhere. Above all, people?s attitudes must change to one of being positive, forward looking and confident. Building a positive attitude is one of the greatest challenges and prerequisites to successful social and economic change facing communities.

97/4a Issues of New Zealand Farm Succession: A Study of the Intergenerational Transfer of the Farm Business
Heather McCrostie Little and Nick Taylor June 1998

Family farming has long been the cornerstone of the NZ agricultural system, and if this to persist then farm transfer from one generation to the next must be capable of accommodating the needs of all the family members. This study looked at issues such as: the role and status of family members in the farm business structure; its ownership, management and decision-making; the level of family consultation and communication during the succession process; where stress occurs in the process; and how the succeeding generation enters into positions of ownership and management as the retiring generation exits. Thirty interviews were conducted with retiring couples, succeeding couples, and single male successors. This was followed by focus group meetings. Crucial to successful succession is: open communication between the generations; an early start for retirement and succession planning; and all parties have to be open to ideas, flexible adaptable, and able to exercise options. Succession runs relatively smoothly in families with a history of between-generation transfer, in families that appreciate the need for planning and management, and in financially secure farms. Stress is greatest for the succeeding generation at the start of the process; stress for the retiring generation occurs at each stage of the process. Although a still male-dominated process, the role of women in the process is changing. business operation facing ultimate sale.

97/5 Off-Farm Income: Theory and Practice
Irene Parminter June 1997

This study uses an economic model and seven case-study farms to project likely future changes in the importance of off-farm income, and the implications of these changes. Off-farm income is likely to be increasingly important. Off-farm employment is likely to increase in more densely populated rural areas and in districts within commuting distance of urban areas. This reflects the wider picture of a long-term decline in product prices and labour-saving technological change in agricultural production. Most farmers will work off-farm in order to retain ownership of their farm. Economically speaking, there seem to be few clear and unambiguous relationships between off-farm work and the long-term productivity and profitability of farms. However, much depends on farmer attitudes. In one instance, off-farm employment was viewed by the farmer as an admission of failure; in other cases, working off-farm is seen as one part of a success story which achieves personal and family goals.

97/6 Land Use and Community in Southland Region
Dr Ruth M. Houghton, Dr Alan King and Ms Rachel K. Piper
June 1996

Using published sources, and focusing on three small rural communities, a range of information was assembled and reviewed, that can serve as a background for further research into the processes of community impacts and responses to land use change. The report itself has the following key sections: Regional Agricultural Economy (current structure and recent trends); land use industries (farming and forestry); Population and Employment; and Rural Community Profiles (detailing how these communities have responded to the changes facing them). Land use changes resulting from a move from pastoral farming to forestry and dairying were significant social forces, resulting in changed employment activities and ownership structures. In addition, the region?s population is generally ageing. A series of questions was developed from the information gathered, including: is there a critical mass in population size and demography to sustain communities as well as the region; how do small, local businesses adapt over time to changes in economic activity, employment, and population; and how have communities responded to new residents who have entered the region as a result of the increasing popularity of dairying?

97/7a Entrepreneurship in New Zealand Farming: A Study of Alternative Enterprises on Farms
Nick Taylor and Heather McCrostie Little. June 1997

Little information is available on non-farming activities undertaken to augment the income of NZ farming families (either as off-farm employment or on-farm alternative enterprises). This report (one of a series of related publications) analysed these non-agricultural enterprises. Sixty farmers with alternative income sources were interviewed in-depth. Reasons for moving towards alternative enterprises include: the agricultural restructuring of the 1980s, changes in the status and economic activity of women, and the high level of tertiary education amongst farmers who went in for alternative enterprises. Young farmers building their ownership and equity are often involved in off-farm employment, whereas ?enterprise farmers? tended to be well into their life cycles, with well-developed properties. Recommendations for a social monitoring framework for household farm income are presented. Other issues highlighted include: ?red tape? as a barrier to enterprise creation, health & safety legislation, local business and employment initiatives (which tend to targeted towards rural towns more than towards farms themselves), and the need for a co-ordinated approach to rural tourism.

97/8 The Development of Agricultural Advisory Services in New Zealand
Phil Journeaux and Pat Stevens June 1997

Currently, advisory services are offered to New Zealand farmers on a fee-paying basis by Agriculture New Zealand (a branch of a private company), by marketing boards on a product by product basis, and by individual agents who contract out their services (with the interface between these services and the government being MAF Technical Policy). However, the history of these services can be traced as far back as 1892. Most of this history has been based on the assumption that if the government did not provide these services then they would be under-provided. So the State assumed responsibility for funding and delivery very early on. Unlike other countries, both universities and the private sector were excluded from this system. A very successful model developed, yet its very success led to a complete change in philosophy and practice. Changes began in 1985, when the government of the day directed the Advisory Services Division of MAF to become fully user-pays within 5 years. In 1987, MAF?s Advisory Services Division and its Research Division amalgamated to form MAF Technology. In 1990, the renamed Management Consulting Service was reformed as a separate national business, but still within MAF. Full privatisation then occurred in 1995 (when it was sold to become Agriculture New Zealand).

97/9 Impacts of Dairy Conversions in the Taupo District
Agriculture New Zealand, Woodward Clyde Ltd, Geoff Butcher & Associates - August 1997

This study investigated the economic, social and environmental implications of large-scale dairy conversions in the Taupo region (chosen because of the scale of conversions that have taken place, and because water quality is important to the region?s major industry - tourism). Thirty farms (half sheep & beef, and half dairy) were surveyed and monitored, and consultation occurred with groups like local iwi, Environment Waikato, Taupo District Council, stock firms etc. Converting 6,400 hectares in land to dairy farming has created $14.5 million extra total output, $5.25 million in extra value added, $2.3 million extra household income, and 112 extra jobs. There are large differences in fertiliser practices of sheep and beef farmers, and dairy farmers. Given the high rate of nutrient input via fertilisers and effluent, dairy?s major potential environmental impact is probably nutrient leaching into the ground water and nutrient run-off to surface waters. Because of the national and international significance of Lake Taupo (compared to the small national contribution to dairy production that the area makes), serious consideration must be given to increased monitoring and modelling of impacts, and a pro-active stance of land owner education/advice to mitigate or avoid adverse impacts is needed.

97/10 The Viability of Small Dairy Farms
Allen, J.

This study aimed to: describe the financial profile of a typical 40ha Waikato dairy farm, sketch possible future scenarios these farmers might be facing (and options for dealing with these scenarios), and the implications for the industry as a whole. Basic financial modelling was used, as well as focus and discussion groups and individual interviews (when determining farmer options). There is a wider rage in herd size than in the past, but the national average herd size has increased from 112 (1972) to 199 (1996). About 14% of suppliers run less than the average herd size (100 cows). Those 40 ha owner/operators with above average management skills and a low level of debt are likely to be making a disposable cash surplus; those with average or below average management skills are unlikely to be making a surplus (the same applies to above average operators with high debt loadings). Options for farmers not producing a surplus (e.g., selling up, changing the farm?s management ownership structure, and alternative land uses) are discussed. An individuals financial situation will be the prime determinant of what option can be chosen. If some of these farmers leave the land, it is thought there will be minimal impact on the industry as a whole.

97/11 Change and Diversity: Opportunities for and Contraints on Rural Women in New Zealand
Mary-Jane Rivers, Ann Pomeroy, Dianne Buchan, Brian Pomeroy and Rachel Fogarty. October 1997

This report looks at how recent developments in technology, economic opportunity and social values have modified the lives of rural women. Data came from a literature search, written questionnaires (n = 250), telephone and face-to-face interviews, and focus group interviews. Women have more opportunities (e.g., for developing businesses). But, life has become more stressful as women have to balance multiple roles (domestic and family roles, farm and farm management roles, and business/off-farm employment roles). Increased opportunities have meant that women have increased financial clout in rural areas (a clout often unacknowledged in some areas, for example, by some service providers such as accountants, lawyers etc.). Recommendations include: the need for a wider acknowledgement of women?s social and economic contribution, making childcare more available, supporting the appointment of women to formal decision making bodies, and changing attitudes of some of the rural press to better reflect the reality of life for rural women.

97/12 Transferable Water Permits:Two Case Studies of the Issues
Mike Kearney and Jim Sinner. December 1997

NZ has little practical experience in using economic instruments like transferable permits under the Resource Management Act. The two case studies in this project looked at: identifying barriers to putting in place the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council?s Oroua Catchment Water Allocation & River Flows Plan; and (in the Tasman Region) understanding and documenting a community?s views on the concept of Transferable Water Permits - TWPs - as an option for water management. A TWP is a resource consent to take water (i.e., a water allocation) which can be transferred from one place within the water resource (e.g., an aquifer) to another place in the same water resource. Issues arising can be grouped into: understanding the concept of TWPs, and how they operate in practice. Regarding the former, there is a lack of understanding amongst water users about the shortcomings of the current system, and how TWPs can be a way of dealing with these problems. This highlights the importance of involving water users in the whole process, including policy development (because the success or otherwise of TWPs depends on community perceptions). Operational issues also arise, for example, irrigation users worry that they could irreversibly lose their permits to urban/industrial users. Other concerns include those relating to how permits are allocated, traded and monitored.

97/13 Organic Farming in New Zealand: An Evaluation of the Current and Future Prospects including an Assessement of Research Needs
Caroline Saunders, Jon Manhire, Hugh Campbell and John Fairweather. October 1997

This study aimed to: determine the potential for organic farming (through a literature review); evaluate the current research investment and identify future research investment needs (through focus group interviews and a review of NZ research); and analyse the factors determining the adoption rate of organic farming methods. For organic farming, potential exists for NZ to continue targeting niche markets, especially in Japan and the US. Identified research priorities include Production research (e.g., breeding natural plant resistance, biological control of pests and diseases, and comparative benefits of organic vs ?conventional farming); Market research (defining consumer perceptions in potential overseas markets); and Infrastructure research (e.g., assisting BIOGRO develop effective standards). Key factors influencing growers adopting organic farming techniques include: financial premiums, mind-set change, demonstrations of success, and lack of research.

97/14 Organic Farming in New Zealand: An Evaluation of the Current and Future Prospects including an Assessement of Research Needs -
Caroline Saunders, Jon Manhire, Hugh Campbell and John Fairweather. October 1997

Precis of 97/13

97/15 REAPs: Making a Difference in Rural Education
Diane Anderson. July 1997

Rural people are concerned about their access to educational services. This report, the third in a series (also see MAF Policy Technical Papers 93/8, 94/15), explores the effectiveness of Rural Education Activities Programmes (REAPs) in: early childhood education, primary and secondary education, adult & community education, and Maori education. Published information, discussions, a questionnaire sent to REAPs, and a facilitated discussion at the 1997 REAP Annual Conference was used to collect information. Indicators were identified that could help assess the effectiveness in REAPs. Evidence suggests the REAP model is a cost-effective means of providing many people in small rural communities with a valuable service. One of REAP?s strengths has been its ability to respond rapidly to the changing needs of local communities (because REAPs are small and flexible).

97/16 Meat, Meat eating and Vegetarianism: A Review of the Facts
Professor Neville G Gregory.October 1997

A downward trend in meat exports is related to the move towards vegetarianism and semi-vegetarianism in our major export markets. This study examines the images of meat, customer attitudes to meat, key factors which may lead to reduced meat eating, and the attitudes and beliefs of various types of vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is traced from the 1960s (when it was embraced mainly because of spiritual, devotional and ecological attitudes) to the 1990s (when concerns about animal welfare predominate). The report contends that the main threat to the meat industry is from reduced meat eating and semi-vegetarianism in the rest of the population. Thus, the meat industry needs to address the concerns that lead to people choosing reduced meat eating, by: improving the image of the meat and the livestock industry; and countering the vegetarian

97/18 Citizens Advice Bureaux And Rural Service Needs
NZ Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. June 1997

This report examines the nature of enquiries to rural Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB); and analyses the various patterns found. CAB statistics show different patterns of demand for information, advice and support between rural and urban bureaux (patterns may also vary over time). Rural CABs have fewer enquiries in relation to their population than urban CABs, but rural bureaux have a higher proportion of enquiries for financial/budgeting, health/welfare and general information. From 1990/91 to 1995/96 enquiries on consumer matters nearly doubled as a proportion of rural enquiries; and over the same period, the total number of rural enquiries increased by 50% (whereas urban enquiries only increased by 25%). This shows that the social and economic environments are different in the two areas, and that services provided to rural communities should reflect this. Concerns were raised about the decreased opportunities for rural people to have face-to-face services from a range of government departments and organisations.

97/19 Farm Families and Sustainability in the mid Rangitikei
Marg Gilling. October 1997

Since the 1980s fundamental economic changes have lead to fundamental changes in the values, beliefs and norms of farming families. This project looked at their living standards, relationships with local communities, and problems, issues and strengths that characterise farming families and their communities. Data were obtained through interviews and public meetings. Farming families were found to be feeling uncertain, threatened and unable to plan for the future (and were unable to give active consideration to sustainability). In addition, families are facing changes in other areas, including: family dynamics and roles, and issues and practices to do with succession. The report makes recommendations about the support mechanisms needed by farming families.

97/20 Managing Social Transformation in Rural New Zealand
Proceedings of UNESCO/MAF Seminar. October 1997

Results from a UNESCO/MAF seminar looking at the situation in rural NZ (which is characterised by increased diversity in how land is used and an unevenness of development in different areas). Group discussions noted a decline in some rural areas. In others, though, something of a ?rural Renaissance? is occurring (mainly due to the increased diversification taking place within agriculture itself, the increasing number of non-agricultural uses of agricultural land, and the wider range of people now living in rural areas). Continuing challenges in rural areas include: realising the potential of women and Maori, retaining young people, and improving delivery and co-ordination of services from central government. The reports ends by considering how changes within rural communities will have impact on government policies and the delivery of services.

97/21 "Unpaid" Farm Work " - a scoping study
Heather McCrostie Little, Nick Taylor & Wayne McClintock. November 1997

Major changes within labour on NZ farms are occurring, due to: changes in household and farm technology, the tight financial position of many farms, and the increased emphasis on maintaining a competitive advantage in international markets. This study provides a picture of labour input into the family farm business, explores the relationship between farm family members and the extended family, and studies how the involvement of extended family through unwaged work contributes to farm viability and sustainability in social as well as economic terms. Research was based on a literature review and face-to-face interviews. Key findings include: the farm household is the primary source of labour on family farms; ownership structures for farms are steadily evolving into partnership arrangements; gender-based differences, nonetheless, still exist; there are now fewer full- and part-time paid, non-family employees; there is more employment of contract and casual labour; household roles increasingly reflect generational attitudes; and family relationships in farm families remain strong.

1996

96/1 Bibliography of MAF Policy publications: 1993 to 1995
Rod Forbes February 1996

96/2 Agricultural productivity trends for New Zealand
Robin Johnson January 1996

As well as analysing productivity trends, this study compared two methods of measuring productivity (Divisia, and Laspeyre), and looked at the data used and its shortcomings. The results gained from the two methods were slightly different, but the main trends are clear. Trends have been favourable, for example, the rate of return to labour and capital factors of production has been increasing at about 5% per year over the last 20 years, a rate higher than that reported for other countries. Overall, these years have a been a period of consolidation for New Zealand agriculture, and national output has been maintained at high levels in spite of declining labour and capital inputs.

96/3 Public attitudes to the biological control of rabbits in New Zealand
Gerard Fitzgerald, Lindsay Saunders and Roger Wilkinson March 1996

After possums, rabbits are New Zealand?s second major vertebrate pest problem, damaging both the environment and farm production. Data was gathered through 11 focus groups, and a telephone survey of 1127 New Zealanders. Although the vast majority of New Zealanders recognise the problems caused by feral rabbits, this recognition is not translated into personal concern (because rabbits are seen as ?cute and furry? and as a potentially useful resource). Shooting and trapping are the most acceptable forms of rabbit control, followed by biological control methods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Aerial use of 1080 and other poisons was least acceptable. The ?quality of death? of the animal is a key issue in the choice of rabbit control. People?s response to Rabbit Calicivirus Disease RCD) is complex - it?s likely that only one third of people would actively support its introduction. The survey highlighted the need for a well thought out public information and education programme (as opposed to public relations), when introduction of a control organism is being

96/4 Public perceptions and issues in the present and future management of possums
Gerard Fitzgerald, Lindsay Saunders and Roger Wilkinson March 1996

The introduced brushtail possum carries bovine tuberculosis (BTb), and is destructive to native ecosystems and forests. The NZ publics? and stakeholder groups perceptions, and attitudes to, to possums, BTb, and possum control technologies were examined. During 1994, 11 focus-group and 1127 telephone interview were done. Most people view possums unfavourably, with its main impact seen as being environmental (however, the main issue, from a policy perspective, is BTb). Shooting was the most acceptable way of killing possums, followed by trapping and a [hypothetical] possum-specific possum poison; least acceptable was 1080 and the use of general poisons. The keys to acceptability are species-specificity and humaneness. For biological control methods: the most acceptable were those that stopped possums breeding; the least acceptable were those that made possums more susceptible to natural diseases. Highlighted in the results was the need for a well designed programme of public information and discussion.

96/5 Special farm monitoring update (sheep and beef farming)
Agriculture New Zealand Ltd May 1995

Nine of the 23 models that MAF uses to describe and analyse New Zealand farming were used in this study, which was commissioned following a decline in cattle and wool prices. Since peaking at 11.1 million hectares in 1985, the area used for sheep and beef farming has shrunk to 9.5 million hectares. Farmers themselves (especially young farmers) are under severe financial pressure, including: low morale in response to very low product returns, lower financial reserves, lower soil fertility levels, and less money available for fertilisers and repairs. Land use change to forestry and dairying is likely to continue (resulting in land values falling steeply for sheep and beef land that is not suitable for forestry or dairying). Sheep farmers are exploring all options, including: more off-farm work, leasing their farms, subdivision, cropping, sale of forestry rights, dairy grazing, and diversification into other on-farm enterprises.

96/6 Rural research with an emphasis on social issues
Diane Anderson November 1996

This list of NZ rural research undertaken over the last 10 years comes from a range of organisations, including: university departments; the Ministries of Education, Health, Forestry, Justice, and Women?s Affairs; the Ministry for the Environment; the Social Policy Agency; and Federated Farmers and Women?s Division Federated Farmers. Subject areas include: agriculture, education, forestry, intellectual property, Maori, natural resources, recreation and tourism, resource management and planning, rural communities, and services. Publications include: published and unpublished academic papers, books, theses, government and other reports, and proceedings of conferences and seminars.

1995

95/1 Bibliography of MAF Policy Publications: 1993 to 1994
Rod Forbes

ISBN 0-478-07395-X February 1995

A summary of papers published in 1993 and 1994 with details of publication categories, reference numbers, titles, authors, publication dates, ISSN, ISBN and brief abstracts.

95/2 Forestry and Community. Part 2, statistical data and commentary by wood supply region

Sue Cumberworth, Paul Bacon and Peter Jarvis

ISBN 0-478-07398-4 January 1995

This paper is the second part of scoping the impact of exotic forestry on rural New Zealand communities since 1980. This provides information on changes in the ownership, size and distribution of the exotic forest estate in New Zealand, changes in land use (farming to forestry) and employment.

95/3 Agri-environmental programmes in New Zealand: a report to the OECD

Jim Sinner, Ian Cairns, Mark Storey and Bernie Warmington

ISBN 0-478-07400-x July 1995

This report provides detailed information on central and regional government programmes up to 1994/95 which have been developed to create a balanced and coordinated set of policies for sound environmental management undistorted by government support programmes for agriculture.

95/4 Control of soil erosion on farmland: a summary of erosion's impact on New Zealand agriculture and farm management practices which counteract it.

D L Hicks

ISBN 0-478-07403-4 August 1995

This report was prepared under MAF's sustainable agriculture facilitation programme, and summarises the wealth of information that has been gathered over the years on managing soil erosion. It provides indicative valuations of the benefits and good practices that minimise the detrimental effects of land use, with the aim of encouraging land owners to take greater responsibility for managing soil erosion on their properties.

95/5 Soil Structural breakdown and compaction in New Zealand soils

R J Hayes

ISBN 0-478-07404-2 August 1995

This report was prepared under MAF's sustainable agriculture facilitation programmes and presents an overview of the extent of soil structural degradation and compaction in New Zealand. The main focus of the report is to provide a practical outline of how to identify, alleviate and prevent soil structural breakdown based on recent New Zealand and overseas scientific literature.

95/6 Off-farm income survey: 1992/93 financial year

David Rhodes and Philip Journeaux

ISBN 0-478-0707-7 May 1995

This report describes the findings of a survey of off-farm income covering the 1992/93 financial year and includes both off-farm employment and off-farm investment but excludes income earned on-farm from non agricultural activities. For properties with off-farm income, it was equivalent to 14% of gross farm revenue for dairy farms, 20% for sheep and beef farms, 25% for cropping properties, 45% for pipfruit orchards and 69% for kiwifruit orchards. Seventy-three percent of properties had income from off-farm sources.

95/7 Proceedings of the indicators for sustainable agriculture seminar

Ian Cairns

ISBN 0-478-07414-X August 1995

Derived from a joint MAF/Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council seminar in August 1995, whose main purpose was to share approaches, assess progress, and discuss issues relating to environmental indicators. Short proceedings papers include: 'The development of agri-environmental indicators at the OECD', 'Towards a core set of national environmental indicators', 'The Waikato self assessment scales project', and 'Decision support tools for managing water quality'.

95/8 Synopsis of social research projects undertaken to support three programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture: policy advice and facilitation on sustainable agriculture, rural development and rural services.

Ann Pomeroy

ISBN 0-478-07423-9 August 1995

A considerable body of research has been undertaken or sponsored by MAF in support of rural resources and rural affairs programmes. This paper provides summaries from selected papers covering three topic areas; sustainable agriculture, the changing structure of the rural economy and opportunities for development, and adequate access by rural people to basic services. A full list of research papers undertaken are referenced.

1994

94/1 Bibliography of MAF policy publications : 1993 supplement
Rod Forbes
ISBN 0-478-07348-8 March 1994

A summary of papers published in 1993 with details of publication categories, reference numbers, titles, authors, publication dates, ISSN, ISBN and brief abstracts.

94/2 Research on rural topics, with an emphasis on social issues: a list of rural research which has been undertaken in New Zealand over the last ten years - See Updated Version

Jo Lynch and Diane Anderson

ISBN 0-478-07351-8 February 1994

A bibliography of rural social research undertaken by universities, government departments and non-government organisations over the last 10 years. About 450 references are cited with abstracts included for about 70. While the bibliography cannot be taken as the complete list, it can be used as a resource document providing information on some of the research on rural social issues.

94/3 Relevant government policies and programmes for Maori living in rural areas

John Hill

ISBN 0-478-07352-6 April 1994

This paper brings together a range of current policies and programmes which are available to individuals or groups, and which either apply generally across the country or are targeted to the interests of Maori. The primary focus is public policy in relation to resource management with information provided applying to the position as at March 1994.

94/4 MAF Policy conference papers in agricultural economics : 1994 : volume 1

Robin Johnson

ISBN 0-478-07353-4 April 1994

Six papers presented by MAF staff at the Australian Agricultural Economics Society Annual conference held at Victoria University, Wellington, February 1994. Topics included are Gatt and direct income payments (Johnson), rural development (Pomeroy), non-point source pollution (Sinner), supply and demand for venison and velvet (Pearce), forestry development (Dake) and the national interest and public choice (Johnson).

94/5 Aspects of New Zealand's experience in agricultural reform since 1984

Alan Walker and Brian Bell

ISBN 0-478-07356-2 April 1994

This paper presents a popular summary of agricultural reform in New Zealand. The experience shows that it is possible to go from a heavily supported and controlled agriculture, to an agriculture which is fully market driven and which has no government intervention and be better off than we were.

94/6 An intertemporal linear programming model for pipfruit orchard replacement decisions

Mike Kearney

ISBN 0-478-07355-0 April 1994

This paper describes a linear programming model to optimise variety structure over time for a pipfruit orchard subject to constraints of minimum cash requirements, orchard area, harvest constraints and not removing more than is planted in any one year.

94/7 Retirement and succession in farm families in New Zealand (South Island)

Norah Keating and Heather Little

ISBN 0-478-07356-9 February 1994

This study, as part of wider comparative studies in the USA and Canada, focuses on the process of how older farmers retire from business and hand on farms to the next generation. A face to face interview survey of 72 farm families in Canterbury and Southland localities provided the information base to research intra-family relationships and community impacts resulting from retirement decisions, and is taken from the perspective of the women and men from both the older and younger generations.

94/8 Forestry and community : a scoping study of the impact of exotic forestry on rural New Zealand communities since 1980

Ruth Houghton

ISBN 0-478-07359-3 September 1993

This study is a review of the literature on social and economic impacts of recent exotic forest development on rural communities in New Zealand and recommends areas of research to establish a base for analysis of such impacts both now and in the future. There have been no formal studies on the impacts of the recent upsurge in afforestation, but with the increasing emphasis on small scale and farm forestry, changes in attitudes by the rural community to forestry are likely.

94/9 Withdrawn

94/10 Grassroots II : community development initiatives at the grassroots

Kath Boswell, Denise Brown, Jo Maniopoto and Tamati Kruger

ISBN 0-478-07368-2 August 1994

This study follows-up on a 1989 survey of employment responses in the communities of Wanganui and the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Seventy three interviews were conducted with the focus on job creation, enterprise promotion and Maori development and the factors which promote or impede their progress. Three problems were identified: a need for training to be available to people who already have basic business skills; the difficulty people have of accessing capital to set up their business and sever their dependency on the state; and a need for useful, non-patronising business advice from friendly people.

94/11 Snowfall risk management : 1992 snows - a survey of management practices used by Canterbury farmers to minimise the impact of snow

G H Scales

ISBN 0-478-07369-0 June 1994

This study is based on direct interview and postal surveys of Canterbury farmers affected by the disastrous snow storms in July and August 1992. The lessons learnt are important for future snowfall risk management and sustainable farming systems.

94/12 Surgical services in rural hospitals