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Sustainable farming has so many incredible benefits for people, animals, and the planet!
Using sustainable farming practices, it’s possible to revolutionise the way we manage agriculture and produce food. Sustainable approaches allow producers and consumers to work together in the fight for a cleaner, healthier environment.
Want to know more about sustainable farming in New Zealand? Here are 10 interesting facts about sustainable farming solutions!
1. Climate-Smart Agriculture Works
The way that farmers work has direct short- and long-term impacts on overall planetary health, which is what makes climate-smart approaches so important.
This means that adopting sustainable farming practices can create real change to reduce climate risks and promote a greener, brighter future. With support from governments and consumers, farmers can lead the path to a healthier planet!
2. New Zealand is a Sustainability Game-Changer
New Zealand can be considered a sustainability game-changer, thanks to clear goals and efficient sustainability initiatives.
Currently, New Zealand is working to introduce more carbon-efficient farming programs, as well as increasing sustainability solutions and implementing 100% environment- and health-safe stewardship by 2030.
3. Sustainable Farming Reduces Environmental Damage
By adopting sustainable farming solutions, agricultural workers can protect the natural environment.
Sustainable efforts may include reducing emissions, optimising land use, reducing water consumption, and maintaining soil fertility. These efforts can go a long way towards preserving environmental health and combatting the effects of global warming.
4. Sustainable Farming is Better for Human Health
A transition to sustainable farming practices can lead to improved human health outcomes.
Beyond providing safer, healthier environments for people to live in, sustainable farming solutions reduce toxins and harsh chemicals – like pesticides – that can cause illness when consumed. Sustainable agriculture also accounts for less antibiotic dependence among livestock, which can reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistance around the world.
5. Truly Sustainable Agriculture Requires a Range of Approaches
Sustainable farming is complex and must include a diverse range of techniques and strategies in order to be successful.
Sustainable farms might adopt renewable energies or choose water-efficient maintenance systems. They might focus on sustainable feed for livestock, or they may aim to reduce waste onsite. When many sustainability approaches are used together, the impact can be incredible!
6. Sustainable Farming Can Improve Food Security
In the long-term, sustainable agriculture can help to improve food security by supporting optimal soil health and providing reliable food supply.
Sustainable farms are often able to produce climate-resilient foods, and they can provide high-quality produce to local consumers. This helps to reduce rates of food insecurity, ensuring that everyone has enough to eat, even when conditions are harsh.
7. Farmers can Work Together for Sustainability
Farmers don’t have to work alone! In fact, sustainable farming relies on farmers who work together and share ideas and approaches.
Many sustainable farmers have industry friends and colleagues they can turn to when they’re looking for new ways to improve sustainability. Sustainable farming communities support each other to make farming safe, healthy, and effective for everyone.
8. Sustainable Farming Solutions Benefit Industry and Economy
Contrary to popular belief, sustainable agriculture is good for the farming industry and for the national economy!
Many consumers want to support sustainable and organic farming practices, knowing the impact that these practices have on health and environment. This leads to high economic returns. Sustainable farming techniques also allow farmers to preserve resources, allowing them to maintain efficient, productive operations for longer.
9. Organic Farming is Growing in New Zealand
Organic farming has been on the rise in New Zealand since the early 2000s, and the sector continues to grow.
Increasing public awareness has led to major growth in organic sales. In fact, domestic consumers in New Zealand spent about $723 million on organic products in 2020! That’s $691 million more than in the year 2000, before a 2001 royal commission called genetic modification into question.
10. Sustainable Agriculture Still Has Room to Grow
Sustainable farming works to achieve a few key goals. Until those goals are met, there’s still room to improve.
As the sustainable agriculture sector continues to grow, farmers are working to improve quality of life for all of us. That means providing plenty of healthy food while looking after livestock and protecting the natural environment.
Do you want to be a part of supporting sustainable farming in New Zealand? Here at Jersey Girl Organics, we’re committed to agricultural sustainability.
To support our sustainable practices, all you need to do is enjoy a daily glass of our organic whole milk! Eco-friendly living has never tasted so good.
