New book debates future of food production

New Zealand can lead the world in sustainable, high-quality food production, say researchers and industry leaders who have come together to debate the future for agrifood in a new book.

Future Food Farming: New Zealand Inc Meeting Tomorrow's Markets is co-edited by rural journalist and farmer Alan Emerson and director of Massey Agriculture Professor Jacqueline Rowarth.

It asked important questions about the direction and focus of farming, Mr Emerson said. "We need to have the forethought to conceive what food production will be like in five or 10 years' time. But more importantly, we need to state what we think it should be."

New Zealand was well placed to lead the world in efficient, profitable production with a minimal environmental impact and maximum animal and human welfare, which had to be the goal, he said.

Prof Rowarth said turning the vision into reality would require scientists, practitioners and industry to work closely together. It also required research and education.

The book brings together some of the leading thinkers in the agricultural field. It covers all areas of farming, with contributors from a wide variety of areas, from academics and educators to farmers and businesspeople.

Prof Rowarth said the idea for the book was conceived by Mr Emerson, a retired Wairarapa farmer, who approached her.

"We then discussed how it could be developed and gave the opportunity to high-performing people to dream in a practical way."

The book is published with the support of the Agricultural and Marketing Development Trust.

It was officially launched at a forum on Massey's Manawatu campus yesterday.