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New Zealand already feeds about 20 million people around the world on top of our own population -- and has the potential to feed more, a University of Waikato expert says.
Speaking at the Food and the Environment seminar on the first day of the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Professor of Agribusiness Jacqueline Rowarth discussed the impact population growth, climate change and increasing regulation may have on the future of New Zealand's food exports.
In the past few decades the world's population has drastically increased, but not the amount of land used for farming and producing food, says Professor Rowarth.
"It's farmers and technology that are making the difference.
"New Zealand is surrounded by other countries who all want our food, and we have the potential to help produce it for them."
With the global population expected to exceed eight billion by 2050, she says global food demand will increase significantly.
"The question in New Zealand is: How can we produce more food? Do we have more land we can put into agriculture? Or do we improve the productivity of our existing farmland?"
Professor Rowarth says the answer lies partly in more efficient farming at home, through the application of new technology, and partly in assisting other countries to raise their food production.
University of Waikato researchers are working to help farmers increase their productivity and reduce their environmental impact, and are showcasing their innovations at Fieldays on 13-16 June.
The university is in its sixth year as a Fieldays strategic partner, and Professor Rowarth is playing a key role in delivering the Fieldays Seminar Series.
Visitors to the seminars will have the opportunity to hear about foreign land ownership, food prices and super farms - all hot topics at the moment.
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
Waikato Federated Farmers dairy chair Matthew Zonderop says two consecutive years of a $10 milk price is fantastic for New Zealand agriculture.
Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed last month.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
Grace Su, a recent optometry graduate from the University of Auckland, is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in the university's Rural Health Interprofessional Programme (RHIP).
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