“They are dealing with a raft of issues, from supporting the uptake of environmental best-practice on-farm, to being involved in community and regionally-focused environmental projects and regulatory-setting,” Mr Harris said.
“The red meat brand and story will complement and add value to processor brands with the aim of lifting returns for this country’s sheep and beef farmers.”
Gisborne farmers have provided input into the development phase of both the brand and story.
“Early signals suggest that this brand will leverage off our country’s unique environment and grass-fed, low input farming systems — all of which are exemplified in this region.
“Attendees will also get an insight into the programmes and projects B+LNZ has been running in the region and the impact these have had on farming businesses and the wider community,” he said.
One of the highlights of the annual meeting will be an interactive field trip to Tangihanga Station — where visitors will have the opportunity to see how management has changed to protect sensitive or vulnerable areas of the farm, without compromising productivity or profitability.
“The experiences on Tangihanga can be extrapolated out to the wider Gisborne region and this is what will be discussed on the field trip,” he said.
“From Tangihanga we can look over the wider Gisborne region and discuss the potential impact of land-use changes from a farm management and environmental point-of-view.”
The field trip will include an opportunity to discuss the topics covered during the day in a facilitated forum at a separate venue.
The day will conclude with an evening presentation from Marlborough farmer and author of The Resilient Farmer, Doug Avery.
This session is being sponsored by Farming Women Tairawhiti with support from B+LNZ.
Mr Harris said levy-paying farmers are welcome to attend all or part of the day but registrations were essential.
For more information visit the B+LNZ website.
