With a premise of our agricultural industry being under global scrutiny, more than 50 alumni, students, staff, and members of the public grappled with the issue of “communicating soil science for the future of New Zealand agriculture” last week at Lincoln.
The panel-led discussion was called 'Creating the Common Ground' and was organised by alumna Bianca Das, the LU Soil Society and the Alumni & Development Office, with the discourse guided by guest panellists: Dr Carol Smith, Dr Sam Carrick, Elizabeth Soal and Dr Tony Davoren, and chaired by former Lincoln University Chancellor Tom Lambie.
It considered how can the most up to date and reliable information be communicated to the public and farmers in interesting, effective and creative way.
Problem areas identified both by the panellists and from the floor included regulatory impediments, media sensationalism, and ‘laggards’ in the industry.
All agreed that 99 percent of farmers wanted to do the scientifically proven best for their soils and the land, as it was the basis of their livelihood and New Zealand’s wealth.