8.5 Sustainability issues
Sustainability is dependent on people as individuals. It rests on their ability to maintain and nurture relationships, as well as their farms. It also rests on their ability to fit, or at least survive, in their community. There is an interdependency between farm, farmer, farm family and community.
If sustainability is to be achieved at the grass roots level of family and community - as well as on a regional and national scale - a host of factors need to be given consideration, and a balance achieved between competing and complementary interest groups.
One of the critical questions in this research was "what is the relationship between the family and its wellbeing and being able to run its own business and develop sustainable agriculture practices?". There are many attempts to address that question throughout the report.
Two farming financial advisors - one a member of Women’s Division Federated Farmers, the other an accountant, stressed how they look not only, or primarily, at stock numbers or land values. "In working with farm families I realise their performance depends on their individuality and family relationships. I assess their ability, the relationship, the commitment. Decision making ability is critical - when to sell, when to buy - allowing yourself options."
Most of the families we met were pragmatists. They are trying to look at options but sometimes cannot see or act. They get stuck. Outside factors can make a difference. One farmer said in May: "There’s been good weather - better sheep prices - makes one more confident that you can budget". That is survival in the mid-Rangitikei in the 1990s.
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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