The Government has confirmed it will invest up to $2.6 million over two years in a project that uses metrics to enhance Māori landowners’ understanding of their farming systems, provide options to optimise farm production and land uses and maintain or improve environmental performance.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said greater land use flexibility ensures whenua Māori landowners can achieve their productivity and environmental aspirations.
“Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and enabling that is part of this Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Mr McClay says.
“This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through sensible regulatory reform and the cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.
“Land use flexibility is about backing kiwi farmers and growers to feed the world.”
The work is being undertaken in partnership with Te Arawa Primary Sector Incorporated.
“The project will work with Māori landowners to identify options to generate more value from their land, grow their businesses and help protect their whenua for future generations,” said Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka (pictured).
Early modelling identified potential productivity and profitability gains ranging from 10 to 30%, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 5 to 25%.
“Data and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to feed New Zealand and the world,” Mr McClay says.
“The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.”
