The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and local farmers to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events.
Minister of Agriculture, Todd McClay today announced the Government will co-invest $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay today.
The programme supports the region’s farmers with practical tools to adapt to changing conditions, build back from the recent cyclones and maximise profitability, said Mr McClay.
“The programme of 12 pilot farms in Hawke’s Bay has been successful and is now extending to 100 farms regionally, with the ambition to reach 300 in the coming years,” he said.
“The approach enables farmers to enhance high-performing land for agricultural use while generating additional income through carbon credits and timber.”
High-level benefits projected by LFL include:
- up to $380 million in cumulative economic gains for participating farmers over 30 years;
- $1.5 billion in avoided costs from reduced landslides;
- sequestration of 61,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions;
- improved water quality;
- greater overall farm resilience.
Minister McClay said the co-investment will validate and extend the model towards a self-funded system that focuses on delivering long-term benefits so it can eventually be rolled out across New Zealand, futureproofing rural communities, and driving economic gains.
“This initiative is another part of the Government’s plan to support our world best farmers and growers, ensuring their success, while meeting our international obligations,” he said.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby said the funding will allow the expansion of a initial trial from 12 farms to 100 farms, with the potential to extend the programme to other regions in the future.
“We’ll be able to offer both financial and technical support to farmers, helping them implement erosion control practices that improve farm resilience to climate change and reduce sediment runoff into our waterways,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to validating this model and continuing to work with farmers to achieve the environmental and economic outcomes that will benefit not just our farms but the entire community. With the Government’s support, this initiative has the potential to set a new standard for sustainable farming practices in New Zealand.
“We are proud to be part of a nationally unique solution to our regional erosion problem. The government’s partnership in this initiative is crucial to scaling up this work and ensuring its success,” says Chair Ormsby.
The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand Country Director, Abbie Reynolds says, “Reducing land erosion through native plantings benefits all of us – our native species and our communities.
“We’re pleased to see the enthusiasm of landowners for adopting new farm planning approaches, supported by our global expertise in, and experience with, new financing solutions, and based on years of scientific research and engagement.
“This support from the SFFF fund will play a crucial part in helping the programme to validate the model, scale up and support more rural communities to continue to thrive into the future,” said Ms Reynolds.
