Ecological sustainability is the key to the future of New Zealand's agriculture and the economy in general, according to the 27th MP for Rangitikei, Ian McKelvie.
Mr McKelvie gave his maiden speech to Parliament this week.
"The environment, our people and agriculture must travel hand in hand as we grapple with the effects we humans have had on our land forms, our rivers and our natural heritage," he told his fellow MPs.
"Whether dealing with genetic engineering, the ETS particularly related to the food production sector or the environment, we must use the very best science available to us to resolve these matters."
Mr McKelvie began his speech by paying tribute to the Rangitikei's previous MP, Simon Power, who stood down at last year's election. He also paid tribute to his "near neighbours" Whanganui MP Chester Borrows, Te Tai Hauauru MP Tariana Turia and Palmerston North's Iain Lees-Galloway. "[These MPs] represent the cities that will help forge the future for the people of the Rangitikei Electorate for, without strong leadership from our cities, rural New Zealand suffers," Mr McKelvie said.