Interest in biological farming is growing in New Zealand, according to organisers of the second National Conference on Biological Farming Systems, to be held February 20-21 in Rotorua.

Professor Guna Magesan, coordinator for the National Conference on Biological Farming Systems.

Professor Guna Magesan, conference coordinator and science advisor to Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities, Rotorua, says early registrations for the conference are an indication of the growing awareness of biological farming.

Organisers are expecting more than 200 farmers, Maori land owners, soil and environmental scientists, land management specialists, and representatives from government agencies, regional councils, fertiliser companies, agricultural and horticultural businesses will attend the conference.

'We have a good line of speakers from New Zealand universities, crown research institutes, farmers and consultants, who will present their findings and observations. Moreover, a number of companies have come forward to sponsor the conference.

'We are really humbled by the response that we have received so far,” says Guna.

'It shows that in New Zealand, interest in biological farming is growing and we need to cater for such people who want to share and learn.”

The conference's theme is ‘Biological farming under different land uses', reflecting the vital role of biological farming in sustaining the economy, environment, and communities.

The conference programme includes two days of technical sessions of oral and poster presentations and a conference dinner.

It will also provide a forum for discussion on a wide range of topics for current and future biological farming systems research. Tentatively, six sessions are planned.

They are: biological farming under different land uses (dairy, sheep, horticulture, forestry); biological farming – challenges and opportunities; panel session: progressing biological farming; biological farming and environment (water quality, carbon, climate change); farmer experiences and value-added products; biological farming – a way forward.

While many papers presented will focus on research and development, there is at least one paper which will question the validity of biological farming movement.

'We have included that paper because we want to hear different views. We are sure it will create discussion and help shape the biological farming movement,” says Guna.

'The panel session ‘Progressing Biological Farming' will bring representatives from Maori and Pakeha farmers, industry associations, science communities, and possibly from government/funding agencies together to discuss, debate and deliberate to take the biological farming concept forward.

'I believe this panel session will be a turning point and will create a history, in the movement of biological farming in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
For more information email [email protected] or go to
www.tearawafoma.co.nz/events.html