FAR and the Future Farming Centre are running a series of Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Workshops in the coming weeks. These free events will be held in Ashburton, Timaru, Palmerston North and Pukekohe and are aimed at all cropping and horticultural farmers who are interested in introducing more environmentally sustainable strategies onto their farms.
FAR CEO Nick Pyke says agricultural production is entering a period of major change.
"Yield and productivity gains are still important, but as growers know, we must now find ways of achieving those gains, and feeding the growing world, without compromising environmental factors such as biodiversity, fresh water and soil."
The workshops will be run by Dr Charles Merfield of the Future Farming Centre, who says the one-day workshops will cover the key issues and practical solutions of sustainable agriculture.
"Some the tools that have been the mainstay of 20th century farming, such as pesticides and mineral fertilisers are facing growing challenges such as resistance and restrictions on use. Farming harder is not going to address this situation; what is required is smarter farming that will sustain farming livelihoods while sustaining the environment and food production."
Registration is compulsory and be done by e-mail or telephone (03 345 5783).
E-mail to register
- please give your name, mobile phone number and the number of people attending (so we know how many lunches to order!).
These events are being organised by FAR and the Future Farming Centre, with support form Potatoes NZ. Onions NZ and the Vegetable Research and Innovation Board.
Click here to read full programme
Days and dates
Wednesday 20 May, Arrowsmith Room, Hotel Ashburton
Thursday 28 May Benvenue Hotel, Timaru
Thursday 4 June Douglas Wright Room, The Centre, Pukekohe
Friday 5 June Ferguson Room, Copthorne Hotel, Palmerston North
Sign up now for sustainable agriculture workshops
