Today we are talking to Ronlyn Duncan about advisory services.
But first, proposed exclusion zone changes will please affected farmers.
These changes affect stock exclusion zones and the low slope map as part of the Essential Freshwater Programme, will come as a relief to many farmers.
The Government has listened and changed the stock exclusion trigger from a 10o slope to a five degree slope and introduced an altitude limit. That means if the area of an extensive farming operation is at a certain altitude, or/and above five degrees slope, it will not be required to be fenced. This is a good example of farmers and industry communicating on un-workable policy changes and in this instance a more workable solution for farmers has been achieved.
Recently I spoke with Ronlyn Duncan from Landcare Research and we discussed how farmers are using the primary industry advisory services offered to them and how this service could be improved to support farmers through change and improving sustainable practices. Have a listen to the interview as it drills into some of the key headwinds our farmers are currently tackling.
The challenge we have in this country is a previous government signed up to the Paris Agreement which means we have significant environmental targets to reach even though New Zealand’s agriculture emissions are a very small on a global basis. Agriculture accounts for 50% of New Zealand’s total emissions.
The pace and dubious commonsense of environmental changes have been absorbed by the farming community and this acceptance, often in the face of illogical, biased policymakers, has been taken by Wellington that farmers will just keep taking it.
But an egregious rule over working utes, applied when there is no practical alternative available, has been the final straw for many, resulting in an outpouring of anger which has been taken to city streets.
This trigger issue isn't the only matter farmers are fed up about. They are happy to do their part on water and environmental matters, but acceptance turns to anger and frustration when policymakers show no understanding or interest in the practical consequences and costs of their box-ticking requirements.
One thing the boil-over does show is that a more muscular approach by the rural community might be necessary to get listened to and get proper evidence- and science-based conversations going.
It shouldn't have come to this, but now that it has, a new way to move forward is on the table, even it it too comes with risks.
Listen to the podcast to get the full story because it has considerable helpful detail and perspectives.
Angus Kebbell is the Producer at Tailwind Media. You can contact him here.
2 Comments
I took part in the "Howl of a Protest".
If asked I will do so again.
Why? Because we are now being dictated to by "illogical, biased policy makers". With either no understanding -or worse no cares - for the human lives they are affecting.
Ideology is out weighing human consideration.
An important feature of good governance is trust - the current government were elected - including by rural voters such as me - on the basis of caring and listening and maintaining a country that neither veered to the extreme right nor extreme left.
That trust has now been breached.
Great podcasts Angus talking to those trying to make the changes on the ground, Ronlyn hits the nail on the head about the disconnect between rural and urban.The Zone Committee CWMS could have been a major success if it had been given teeth, (Legislation forcing opposing factions to work together for common good) rather than throw toys out of the cot and sulk to the press , environment court if not getting their way.
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