Debating how the sheep and beef sector can capture future opportunities while managing emerging environmental challenges was the hot topic of B+LNZ’s recent Environment Reference Group (ERG) meeting. Over two thought-provoking days, 14 farmer representatives discussed environmental opportunities and risks – and how to gear up to take advantage.
Right: Bill McCall (B+LNZ Chair) – Southern South Island.
Over two thought-provoking days in Wellington, 14 farmer representatives met with B+LNZ staff and guest speakers to discuss environmental opportunities and risks – and how to gear up to take advantage.
The ERG comprises representatives from each B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui. The group is vital in providing B+LNZ with feedback, advice and input for farmer-focused, practical and workable environmental policy solutions.
Meaty topics at the in-person ERG meeting included how to accelerate sector performance in the context of this year’s Parliamentary elections, the continued regulatory focus on environmental performance, and RMA reforms.
ERG Chair Heather Gilbert (Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council) says the group’s time together is the perfect opportunity to help B+LNZ identify which environment policy activities will help the sector move.
“Using the expertise and knowledge from ERG members, we can offer direct feedback from farmers about where B+LNZ’s priorities should lie. It’s valuable to have the opportunity to get together, to hear the sometimes challenging perspectives from guest speakers, to discuss what we are seeing on the ground and how B+LNZ can assist.”
Growing expectations
Speakers from Forest & Bird and Rabobank told the ERG that New Zealand farmers would face tighter scrutiny over emissions, land use and environmental performance. But farmers also had an important role in leading practical, nature-positive responses to environmental pressures.
There were opportunities for B+LNZ and farmers to create greater awareness of the efforts that were being made, to influence global markets, corporates and financial institutions, as well as the New Zealand public.
Feedback from ERG members highlighted that a lot of good work is being done by farmers, particularly in catchment groups, and this is making a measurable difference.
Vision for the future
To wrap up the two-day event, ERG members took the time to reflect on the insights they had gained and translate them into practical actions for B+LNZ to consider as it develops the 2026/27 Environment Work Programme.
The recommendations backed B+LNZ to strengthen our efforts to support farmers to improve their environmental performance. The discussion focused on adding value to what farmers already have, using local knowledge and resources to fill gaps, generate useful data, and strengthen understanding. The role for B+LNZ was seen as one of connector, enabler and amplifier, rather than creator or regulator.
Suggestions included increased support for catchment groups, recognising their important role in driving practical environmental outcomes at a local level. This included actions like raising awareness of the tools and resources that are available, and more opportunities to learn best practice, whether from environmental experts or other farmers.
The ERG also identified a possible set of activities focused on sharing practical information with farmers in a way that helps them make sense of both opportunities and challenges, particularly inside the farm gate. Participants noted that there are real opportunities through tools such as Farm Plans, but that farmers need better support to understand what resources are available, how to build the right relationships, and how to access practical education that connects environmental actions to business outcomes.
Change of chair
Bill McCall (Southern South Island Farmer Council) stepped down as ERG Chair at the meeting. Our deepest thanks to Bill, who has served as Chair since 2022 and has done an amazing job bringing the ERG together into a strong team.
And congratulations to Heather Gilbert (Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council) who was elected as the new Chair at the meeting.