The Land Diversification Initiative Paves The Way For Sustainable Agriculture In Manawatū
Friday, 27 September 2024, 7:45 pm
Press Release: CEDA
In a landmark initiative for the Manawatū region, the
Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), with the digital
support of the Manawatū District Council, has developed two
strategic tools designed to support local farmers and
landowners in navigating the challenges of modern
agriculture.
This Land Diversification initiative
features a comprehensive report and an interactive Crop
Suitability Map that utilises GIS (geographic information
system) technology. These tools aim to promote sustainable
land use and strengthen the region’s agricultural sector
by offering new opportunities for land
diversification.
The tools, which were developed as a
result of the Manawatū Regional Food Strategy, help to
address the economic pressures facing many farmers due to
declining returns from traditional outputs such as wool and
meat by considering ways to enhance on farm productivity and
land use.
Manawatū District
Council and CEDA working together for the future of
farming
Ashley O’Neil, Sector Development
Senior at CEDA, who led the Land Diversification initiative,
said, “CEDA is committed to helping our primary sector grow
and thrive, and instrumental to our mahi is supporting our
farmers and landowners by providing tools and resources to
help support their planning and decision-making processes
around their farming systems.”
The development of
these tools highlights the collaboration between CEDA and
the Manawatū District Council. The Council’s digital
expertise, particularly its highly skilled GIS team, played
a pivotal role in the creation of the interactive map, which
offers detailed insights into soil and climate conditions
across the Manawatū district. This map serves as a useful
reference to aid decision-making, reflecting our
collaborative effort to support informed choices.
New Zealand first for the agricultural
sector
The Crop Suitability Map represents a
first for New Zealand, with Manawatū leading the way as the
only region in the country to offer such an advanced tool
for land diversification planning. This pioneering resource
allows farmers and landowners to make data-driven decisions
by identifying potential opportunities for their land, such
as growing high-value crops in areas not previously
considered suitable.
Local farm owner Gemma McDougall,
from Ataahua Blooms, has already experienced the benefits of
diversification. “Diversifying our land in Manawatū has
opened up new income streams and job opportunities, proving
that it’s a financially smart move,” Gemma shared.
“With Manawatū’s exceptional soil and natural pest
control from shorter growing seasons, we’ve built a
sustainable flower business alongside our sheep and beef
farm that’s thriving despite the weather challenges that
come with agriculture.”
Explore the tools
The
Land Diversification report and interactive Crop Suitability
Map will be available to the public on Friday 27th September
through our regional website, ManawatuNZ.co.nz. Farmers and
landowners across the region are encouraged to explore these
innovative resources and consider how they can support the
diversification of their farming systems.
For more
information, visit: Land Diversification – Manawatū &
Palmerston North
(manawatunz.co.nz)
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