The nuances of bio farming, including the ways and means of improving water quality, enhancing yield and promoting a better environment are among the issues that will be discussed at a national conference in Rotorua.
Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust (RLLT) will host the two-day conference in October under the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Farming- by farmers, for farmers.’ Venue and other details will be announced in due course.
Trust Chairman Malcolm Short said the conference would be of interest to dairy farmers, Maori landowners, soil scientists, regional councils, fertiliser companies, ecologists, conservationists and land management specialists.
As well as scientific presentations, delegates to the conference will have the benefit of their counterparts sharing their experience in using various biological fertilisers.
“Farmers using biological farming systems have observed positive changes to the soil, and improvements in plant and animal health. Biological farming is a holistic approach to modify and improve soil conditions for beneficial microbes to increase soil microbial activity that helps speed-up nutrient cycling,” he said.
“Because of paradigm shift in the way in which we manage dairy farms, some people are reluctant to change their thinking, although many farmers in New Zealand are adopting biological farming,” Mr Short said.
According to him, farmers were looking for opportunities to reduce environmental damage, without compromising economies of scale.
RLLT Trustee Gifford McFadden said the Conference schedule will incorporate a field trip to enable the participants to “see, learn and share knowledge with the farmers directly.”
Based on his advice, RLLT appointed Dr Guna Magesan as its Scientific Adviser and Leader of the Conference. Mr Magesan is an expert in a number of fields and his opinions on scientific issues of farming are highly valued.
Dr Magesan, who is well known in the Indian community for bringing together Indians, Maoris and other communities on such occasions as ‘The Rotorua Deepawali,’ said the conference will provide a platform for the biological farming groups to come together, work together, and grow together.
He said bio-farmers should set up an association.
“There is a need to promote such an association in New Zealand which will effectively address issues facing the sector and seek collective solutions,” he said.
RLLT, a joint venture between Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities and Rotorua-Taupo Federated Farmers, was established to study nutrient leaching into water, which is of major interest to farmers on the Central Plateau with its nutrient sensitive lakes.
The Vallance Project, named after the late Rick Vallance, is the Trust’s research project into biological farming.
Further information regarding the conference can be obtained from Dr Guna Magesan on Phone (07) 3435587; Mobile 0210345621
Email:guna.magesan@scionresearch.com
