Executive Summary
This research project is a study done in the early months of 1997, of farm families and sustainability in the mid-Rangitikei.
The aims of the project were to explore the links between social and economic factors and sustainable agriculture through
- defining and describing the living standards of a number of farm families,
- looking at the relationships between farm families and the community,
- identifying the issues, problems, strengths of these farm families and rural communities.
Over 150 people from 70 plus farm families, located by a process of ‘snowballing’, were interviewed. Other rural community people, eg retailers, doctors, were also interviewed; and two meetings were held, one of residents in a particular area, the other of residents on a particular road. Two public meetings were held to discuss the findings of the research.
Farming in the mid Rangitikei is in transition because:
- prices for farm products have fallen steadily since the mid-sixties, while costs of production have risen
- changes introduced in the 1980s had an immediate and devastating impact on many farm families
- the 1987 stock market collapse exacerbated these troubles for a number of families
- inflated land prices have been a constant burden
- high interest rates, and high dollar value add to these difficulties.
The basic finding of the research is that the culture of small family farms is changing, and that many people are feeling uncertain, threatened, powerless and therefore unable to plan for the future – in other words farm families are unable to think about sustainability. People are gradually realising that the 1980s changes, primarily economic ones, are having a fundamental impact on farm families, and farming.
There are also major changes in:
- farm family dynamics - between generations, between men and women, between adults and children
- family roles and practices - adults’ expectations of each other, and of themselves
- how families view the past, present and future
- beliefs, values, and practices to do with succession.
The findings are significant - "farming will never be the same again". The farmers in the mid Rangitikei are caught up in a process that is happening internationally but taking shape and impact in particular ways because of the economic, physical, social and spiritual environment that is the mid Rangitikei.
The research has shown that farm families are meeting the challenges of farm restructuring in a myriad of ways - some better, some not so well. It is clear that blaming farm families for their predicament, or minimising their hurts, are not positive ways to address the situation. Even a number of those who are ‘successful’ farmers - those who are farming profitably - are considering leaving farming.
The 1984 changes, and subsequent economic developments were not intended to make farming redundant. Action is needed in a number of areas: education at all levels, issues concerning privatisation, provision and accessing of services that recognise the difference between urban and rural areas, acknowledgement of ‘the farming contribution’, and growing concerns by both Maori and Pakeha farm families about treaty issues.
To survive this crisis, and better still, learn and grow through this time, farmers need support, assistance and leadership from government and interested organisations. The potential of farmers and their families is not being fully utilised. Farmers can achieve, can thrive in the new environment, but only with support in developing new ways of working on the farm and in their communities - local, regional and national. This includes adapting to changes in family structures and relationships, financial arrangements, legislation, local government infrastructure, and the ethos of ‘doing business’.
If farms in the area are to become more business-like and efficient, and farmers are to plan and implement sustainable practices, some focused support policy is needed.
The recommendations in part 9 of the report are for the support and self-support needed to achieve successful adaptation to rapid and radical change, so that sustainability is attained.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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