Introduction
The efficient production of quality products has been at the forefront of agricultural research for many decades, but only since the 1960s has so much attention been focused on protecting the quality of the environment from the problems of industrial pollution. In more recent times, and especially since the United Nations Committee for Environmental Development (UNCED) conference in Rio in 1992, international awareness of the effects of economic growth on the natural resource base has continued to grow.
Within New Zealand too, where farming [ Farming refers to pastoral and arable agriculture, and all forms of horticulture.] practices contribute to water and air pollution, soil erosion, loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity, concern exists that progress in food output is being achieved at an "unacceptable cost" to the natural environment and to future well being. Discussion on issues such as ozone depletion, global warming, and resource and biodiversity depletion has highlighted this awareness.
Further, as the incomes of consumers have increased in developed countries, personal values associated with, for example, environmental aspects of food quality and animal welfare, are influencing purchasing preferences.
Morriss, et al (1995) highlighted the pressures likely to influence New Zealand agriculture into the next millennium as being:
- impact of environmental protection policies in overseas markets on imports from New Zealand;
- effects of increased consumer expectations for environmental quality in agricultural products and production systems on the demand for New Zealand exports; and
- pressure within New Zealand for agriculture to address the environmental effects of its production systems.
The phrase, "quality products from a quality environment" embodies much of what we currently refer to as sustainable agriculture, and reflects a convergence of these previously quite separate influences on agriculture. However, achieving this simple concept in practice is a major challenge to growers and farmers. To them the practice isn’t always simple; and how they farm is increasingly being subjected to a range of outside influences.
This paper discusses some of the key policy factors influencing the attainment of sustainable agriculture in practice. Some are reinforcing, some require balance, some create tension, and some require trade-offs. Not all apply to all sectors evenly; and they vary over time and with changing individual, community and industry circumstances.
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