Farmers 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle'

Agrecovery is for every farmer, grower and agrichemical user throughout New Zealand.

Agrecovery offers nationwide agricultural and horticultural plastic recycling as well as a programme for the collection of unwanted chemicals.  Federated Farmers is Business Manager for Agrecovery.

More about Agrecovery…

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) promote sustainable land management on New Zealand farms .
Entrants seek to share their ideas and expertise with the wider farming community.  To find out about entry requirements, please click here.

Benchmarking the very best of farming

Since 1977, when Federated Farmers was a driving force behind the QEII National Trust's formation, some 120,000 hectares have been voluntarily protected by farmers and landowners.

This land area is equivalent to around the area of Egmont and Tongariro National Park's.  Under QEII covenants, landowners are actively managing weeds, pests and maintaining fences to protect biodiversity.

Conservation by farmers and landowners 

Sustainable farming encourages natural pollination. The honey bee is responsible for over 80 percent of all pollination.

Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group established the ‘Trees for Bees' programme to ensure that bees have the opportunity to gather pollen and nectar while providing the vitamins and minerals required to maintain optimum hive strength.

Bee a local hero. Undertake bee plantings

New Zealand’s weather patterns are changing.  Planning for the future now, rather past conditions, will pay dividends.

Pasture, crop and tree growth rates are expected to increase but so too are droughts and floods. Fortunately, much of the experience and skills farmers already have will hold them in good stead.  Knowing what the changes are likely to be, is key to future success. 

For case studies, click here.

Case studies adapting to a changing climate

Tim Aitken and Lucy Robertshawe's deer farm won Marks & Spencer's International Farming for the Future award in 2012.  They were then voted by the British public to be the best on earth.

Tim and Lucy have developed their property to provide their livestock with the ideal environment. Native trees and bush have been protected and shelterbelts have been planted. They have developed wetlands for birdlife and to improve the quality of water leaving the farm. They are at the forefront of the venison industry in New Zealand, involved in research and innovation to improve deer farming for New Zealand farmers and deer welfare.  Tim and Lucy are actively involved in the farming community, from hosting field days for farmers from all over New Zealand to local schools agricultural classes.