Anecdotally, we’re hearing that afforestation, particularly carbon farming, is increasing issues with pests for neighbouring farms. We want to get more detailed info about this to inform our advocacy to Government.
We’re looking for less than 15 minutes of your time to complete a survey with information on any pest-related issues you’re experiencing on your farm.
Tell us what you’re dealing with in terms of feral pigs, deer, goats and possums, and wilding pines, whether this has increased over time, and where your farm sits in terms of areas of afforestation.
There’s also an opportunity in the survey for you to request further engagement with us on this issue.
The survey will close before Christmas.
What we currently know
Some farmers tell us that, where their farms are surrounded by increasing afforestation, they’re seeing an increase in animal pests and in wilding pines.
We’ve been in contact with Federated Farmers, who have done a lot of work in this space, and we’re now looking for more detailed information from sheep and beef farmers particularly. We’re focusing on understanding changes in pest patterns, particularly as a result of afforestation, in response to our farmers’ concerns.
What we’ll do with the information
The survey is focused on qualifiable information – concrete examples of farmers’ experiences.
In addition to further building B+LNZ’s understanding of the issue, what you tell us in the survey will support our advocacy on issues like carbon farming but also the Government’s approach to pest control, and the forestry management regulations. Being able to point to real-life examples in our discussions with and submissions to Government is really powerful.