Stakeholders input vital for a study on biological farming

21 November 2011

Stakeholders input vital for a scoping study on biological farming systems

NZ Biological Farming Systems Research Centre (NZBFSRC) has been awarded funding by DairyNZ for a scoping study into biological farming systems.

The aims of the scoping study are to:

• Identify research interests and needs on biological farming systems in New Zealand. This will be achieved through contacting farmers, firms and other research organisations who have been working in the area of sustainable farming.
• Initiate discussions during the 1st National Conference on Biological Farming Systems.
• Ascertain and identify any independently verified research that has already been done on biological farming systems in relation to New Zealand dairy farming.
• Scope existing research and identify gaps in the research programmes that could add value to New Zealand dairy farmers.
• The idea is to put some science behind the various claims.

Dr Guna Magesan, senior scientist, said that stakeholders input are vital for this scoping study and for the future research on this sustainable farming system.

“We aim to contact all participants of the first national conference for their input. Letters and emails will be sent to them as well as other stakeholders this week,” said Gifford McFadden, Trustee/ Projects Manager.

“The stakeholder list includes well known consultants among the farming community who raised interesting questions about biological farming,” Mr McFadden added.

The scoping study will help to identify areas of research where biological farming will add to the sustainability of New Zealand farming.

Following the announcement of the establishment of the NZ Biological Farming Systems Research Centre at the first national conference in October 2011, there were a number of positive responses from farmers, companies dealing with biological fertiliser, researchers, and the general public.

NZ Biological Farming Systems Research Centre is the trade name of the Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust Inc (RLLT), a joint venture between Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities and Rotorua/Taupo Province of Federated Farmers.

ENDS

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