Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman, James Parsons says the policy manifesto covers a range of issues that will support a confident and profitable sheep and beef sector.
"The red meat sector is hugely important to the New Zealand economy – worth $8.5 billion a year, so it's critical that the incoming government is aware of the issues that affect our sheep and beef farmers," Parsons says.
"Our first priority is securing investment in research and development that will increase farm productivity and continue adding value to our sheepmeat and beef products.
"It's of critical importance to New Zealand sheep and beef farmers that government funding continues alongside industry investment in areas like Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics, research into farm systems, forages, pest and weed management and mitigating environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions.
"The environment is a significant focus for us and determining nutrient discharge regimes in an equitable manner is important."
Parsons says continued funding for Primary Growth Partnerships with the sheep and beef industry was needed to arm farmers with step-change infrastructure and tools to encourage greater efficiency and profit.
More work will be required to remove barriers to our exports in key existing and developing markets with a particular focus on the on-going negotiations towards a bilateral free trade agreement with Korea and the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.
Equally, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is critical to the success of the sector and Beef + Lamb New Zealand wants to work with government to promote careers and pathways for young people entering sheep and beef farming.
"We'd like to see government recognition that the cost of tertiary agricultural education is more expensive than education leading into many other industries. Reducing this cost will be a key driver in achieving the target in the People Powered report of 50,000 more workers in the primary sector by 2025," Parsons said. This report looked at the expected capability needs for each of the primary industries, along with the services that support them.
