Conrad Smith: Farming and sport share similar demands
The challenges of high-performance sport and farming are not as dissimilar as they may first appear.
As a member of the steering committee that will liaise directly with the UN, Rural Women NZ has hosted the first meeting in Wellington to start the planning process.
Convened by Organic Systems and Adams Harman, others taking part in the meeting included DairyNZ, Horticulture New Zealand, the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association, Young Farmers, Beef+Lamb NZ, Federated Farmers and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
"Family farming has been the backbone of New Zealand's rural economy for more than a century, and Rural Women New Zealand has led advocacy and growth for farming families and rural communities since 1925," says Rural Women NZ's national president, Liz Evans.
"So we're very keen to mark this UN year and showcase the ongoing importance of family farming for all New Zealanders. For most provincial areas, economic prosperity is still dependant on the results of food production and innovation achieved by families."
Rural Women NZ has teamed up with family farming ambassador and 2013 Landcorp agricultural communicator of the year Doug Avery to run events in rural and urban centres around the country next March and April.
"We want to celebrate family farming past, present and future," says Evans. "It's also a great opportunity to link town and country."
Rural Women NZ will hold events across New Zealand including seminars, hands-on workshops and a photo and video competition, as well as entertainment and market-day stalls.
Other rural organisations are welcome to join forces with Rural Women NZ, ensuring a programme of activities that will offer something for everyone.
A further meeting with participants from a wide range of family farming organisations and those who work with them will be held in Wellington in November.
The aim of the UN International Year of Family Farming is to stimulate sustainable agriculture from the perspective of combating poverty and hunger, and rural development based on respect for the environment and biodiversity.
