IRRIGATION
The importance of getting involved beyond the farm gate Stepping out of our comfort zone is uncomfortable and getting involved with agriculture beyond your own business might be a bit daunting for some but, IrrigationNZ Chief Executive Vanessa Winning says farmers and growers cannot be complacent and think someone else will do it, when it comes to speaking up about what is important to them. WORDS AND IMAGE SUPPLIED BY IRRIGATION NZ IMAGE: Vanessa Winning, Chief Executive, IrrigationNZ
Whether that be through groups, writing submissions, having your say in council longterm plans, being involved with community groups right through to governance roles, and more. Farmers and growers have a greater knowledge base than they give themselves credit for – and in our changing farming landscape, it is important to share it. In late January, the Climate Change Commission released their draft advice on how they believe we can achieve recommended 2050 goals of net-zero emissions from long-lived gases and a reduction in biogenic methane. To meet these targets, there is a significant onus on the farming community to change practices, reduce waste, and look at alternative land such as expanding horticulture. These are doable, but at what price, and with what resources? This is where it is so important that every farmer and grower understand what is being asked of them and how they are expected to achieve these changes. On top of the other regulatory changes happening now with freshwater regulation, wintering practices, biodiversity enhancement, highly productive land-use change, the primary production strategy ‘Fit for a Better World’, Resource Management Act reform, three waters, infrastructure
development, and iwi rights and interests you get the feeling that things are uncoordinated and fractured. You would also be forgiven for wondering what is going to remain constant. We all know in the farming and growing space nothing is constant, so I am confident in the sector’s ability to change and adapt. However, we are concerned that if there is a lack of coordination, this may lead to policy fatigue, with a risk of being a failure to act at all, because we do not know where to start, or which bite to take first, or will be inhibited by the increase in cost and the time taken in the red tape. We are also concerned that there is a risk that we miss opportunities and do not identify the best strategic outcomes that have long-term benefits for the whole country. Of course, for the irrigation sector, the biggest concern we have with all of these changes is the impact on water capture, storage, and precision use. Without strong engagement in the infrastructure required to mitigate climate change, to support land-use change into horticulture, to improve water outcomes, increase our renewable energy options, and ensure we maintain flows and waterways quality; we will not meet these ambitious targets. Water storage and capture are key enablers for our productive sectors,
and our communities achieving objectives— not just for growing our food and changing the makeup of the food bowl, but also for locally-sourced power generation to power more electric equipment and vehicles. As farmers and growers, it is so important that you understand what is changing and what that means for you. Our submission for the Climate Change Commission report is on our website, along with the Water Services Bill, and Essential Fresh Water reform submissions. You will also be members of levy bodies who are submitting on these things and supporting change, and you will supply meat processors, dairy producers, or packhouses – they too will be engaged in the process, working on your behalf. Most of these services you have prepaid for, so take advantage of them and get in touch. They are here to help you get through the change and support practices on the farm. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Ballance Farm Environment National Showcase—a demonstration of some amazing farmers and growers from across the country and three comments stood out to me from the winners and speakers included, “ get engaged in your local groups, and industry activity—join a catchment group if you have one, there are some excellent resources and funding sources’’; “we can do this, we are doing this, look around this room and see what can be achieved—and it can be good for business as well as the environment” and “we are in this together, this is no longer a rural/ urban divide but one we can achieve as a community”. We will continue to push for strategic coordinated infrastructure development for ongoing improvements in water capture, storage, and use, and we will support our irrigator members to get the most out of their water and improve their management of it, which helps with cost, plant growth, and consenting process. Your role is to keep informed, get in touch, ask for help when needed, and remember there are hundreds of people across the country that have got your back and are there to support you.
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