Government policies and how the outcome of the Parliamentary elections might impact sheep and beef farmers were top of mind for B+LNZ’s Environment Reference Group (ERG) members at their recent biannual in-person meeting.
Photo caption: ERG members met with the Dairy Environment Leaders during their October in-person meeting.
Over two busy days, the ERG tested B+LNZ environmental policy positions to ensure they are farmer-focused, practical and workable. The pending elections formed a background to the discussions, with uncertainty over whether an incoming Government might mean changes, especially around resource management legislation and freshwater farm plans.
The group also provided their input on what farmers would want B+LNZ to push with the incoming Government.
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.
The group welcomed three new members – Rob Pye (Northern North Island Farmer Council), Angela Cottle and Glen McDonald (both Central South Island Farmer Council).
Reports from each region indicated that sheep and beef farmers were generally feeling positive, except in Otago-Southland where a wet season has created challenges and delays. Farmers around the country are preparing for the forecast El Niño event.
The group was excited by a presentation from environmental research agency Prism about a new study commissioned by B+LNZ, the Meat Industry Association and the New Zealand Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. The work involves groundbreaking research to address two key areas of sustainability – carbon sequestration and biodiversity on sheep and beef farms. Using sophisticated aerial mapping, artificial intelligence and historical imagery, the research is examining changes in bush and tree cover on sheep and beef farms since 1990. The work is due to be released publicly early next year.
A presentation from Catchment Communities Aotearoa, which represents catchment communities, sparked valuable discussion on how B+LNZ can best support catchment groups.
ERG gave their feedback and insights during a number of sessions on policy topics such as Resource Management reform, climate change and freshwater farm plans.
The ERG also took the opportunity to meet with the Dairy Environment Leaders who were meeting in Wellington at the same time, to discuss matters of mutual interest.
ERG Chair Heather Gilbert (Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council) says the ERG is working well, with clarity on its purpose to guide and advocate for farmer-focused environment policies.
“We have robust and open discussions about how B+LNZ’s work in the environmental space can better support sheep and beef farmers to improve their performance. It’s fantastic to see how engaged the ERG members are.”