What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

Best known for its lush green landscapes, vast glacier lakes and stunning topography, the island nation of New Zealand is also emerging as a global leader in sustainable agriculture. With national industry standards like the New Zealand Farm Assurance Program, government efforts like investing in research and science-backed solutions, and the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions, farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders in the country are working to ensure its natural beauty and resources are preserved while continuing to provide the world with a bounty of agricultural exports.

In this series sponsored by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the farmer-owned industry organization representing New Zealand's sheep and beef farmers, we’ll take a closer look at the country’s sustainable farming systems, its aspirations for the future, and what the rest of the world can learn from its vision for a resilient food system that’s gentler on people, animals and the planet.

Content from this campaign

Responsible Production & Consumption

New Zealand Is Reducing Agricultural Emissions by Building Efficiency
New Zealand’s government has an ambitious plan for its agricultural sector to be “the world’s most sustainable provider of high-value food and fiber products.”

Responsible Production & Consumption

Our Land, Our Farms, Our Future: Healthy Land Means Healthy People
To change the course of the way things are, we must imagine what could be. Some argue that eliminating all beef and lamb production is a solution to enhance environmental sustainability. Others assert that current meat alternatives are bad for health and the environment.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Learning From New Zealand’s Animal Welfare System: How a Farmer-Led Approach Pushes Industry Commitments Forward
On-farm animal welfare is a growing concern for consumers.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Setting the Standard for More Sustainable Agriculture in New Zealand
Red meat farming is not typically at the top of the environmental balance sheet. But farmers and policymakers in New Zealand are doing their best to change that.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Regenerative Agriculture Standards Can Address Consumer Confusion While Bolstering Farmers
Public perceptions around food are changing. As more people understand the impact their food choices have on the environment, many consumers are eager to support those who produce food that is not only better for their health, but also for the planet.

Environment

New Zealand Leads the Way on Regenerative Agriculture Methods
As nations around the world seek to measure, manage and mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions, many have their eyes focused on the agricultural industry, and New Zealand is no exception.
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