Changing beliefs and values as they relate to New Zealand’s agricultural, horticultural and forestry and rural sectors
Operational research project code: GIN 729
Our policy development on environmental management and economic growth will create social and cultural benefits and acknowledge and minimise damaging trade-offs. We will achieve this by:
- researching changing beliefs and values as they relate to the way people interact with the agriculture, food and forestry sectors;
- raising awareness of the important role of the sectors and rural production systems in an increasingly urbanised society.
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry is keen to promote the value of the sectors to the economy as a whole and is looking for opportunities to do so. In order to assist the Minister successfully promote the sectors, MAF needs up-to-date information on New Zealanders’ beliefs and values as they relate to the sectors, how these beliefs and values are changing, and the avenues by which people gain them.
A greater understanding will also assist the sectors to appropriately respond, where necessary, to the changing beliefs and values thereby lifting both profitability and improving environmental and animal welfare practices where appropriate.
That is, the MAF response to gaining a greater understanding of people’s beliefs and values will consists of two fundamental components:
- seeking to influence people’s views and beliefs so that the urban community is well informed about the realities of the biologically-based nature of the sectors;
- seeking to influence the sectors’ practices where such practices are no longer appropriate in light of peoples’ changing beliefs and values.
A two-stage research project is envisaged:
- Scope out current knowledge/research gaps – assess current level of knowledge, relevant research projects currently underway and potential funding partners.
- Research to gain an understanding of changing beliefs and values across both the urban and rural sectors and how people’s beliefs and values are obtained and shaped.
Contact:
Gavin Forrest
Tel: 04 894 0675
Email: gavin.forrest@maf.govt.nz
Contact for Enquiries
Manager, Innovation Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel:+64 4 894 0618
Fax:+64 4 894 0741
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