Date : 2 juillet 2009 à 14h30
Lieu : Agropolis International, salle du conseil.

Dr Liz Wedderburn is a principal scientist with AgResearch a crown owned research institute that services New Zealand’s pastoral industry. Liz has a background in pastoral ecology, sustainable land management and social-ecological systems.
Her presentation outlines the main driving forces that impact on New Zealand’s pastoral farming systems and the adaptations that farmers and policy agents are making to deliver the many outcomes now expected of pastoral agriculture by society.

Résumé de l’intervention

New Zealand has a high dependency on the agricultural industries for its economic well being. Pastoral agricultural systems involve the use of natural resources by people to sustain a set of functions required by society. These functions still include the provision of food, fibre, and employment but emphasis has shifted to include environmental quality, health and welfare and aesthetic appeal. These changes have occurred in response to community (and market) aspirations that are leading land managers to balance production goals against outcomes more commonly aligned to public good. Recent foresight reports signal that new and emerging technologies, social and economic changes and policy reforms will shape the future agricultural economy, creating a complex, and challenging environment. The scenario is one of multiple sometimes conflicting pressures, operating within the context of a finite natural resource base and an uncertain financial, political and climatic environment where change can be rapid and unpredictable. These pressures must be integrated and resolved at farm and value chain scales and offers both risks and opportunities for the industry. The ability to adapt to these drivers is vital to the continued success of NZ’s agricultural industry. New Zealand’s farmers along with industry advisors and policy agents will need to continue to extend their ability to learn, plan and innovate to proactively and effectively respond to current and potential pressures.

En savoir plus sur AgResearch >> www.agresearch.co.nz/

Contact : Claudine Basset-Mens, Cirad
Tél . :+33 (0)4 67 61 57 81 - claudine.basset-mens@cirad.fr